Modelling the forging and post-forging cooling of C70S6 conrods

This paper presents an innovative approach for simulating the connecting rod manufacturing process coupling numerical and experimental techniques. This approach makes it possible to investigate the influence of the different process variables on the fracture zone microstructure without interfering with the actual process, which can cause production loss. Numerical simulations of both the deforming and cooling phases are carried out together with physical simulation experiments on a Gleeble™ system that replicates industrial forging and cooling conditions. Both of the techniques are validated by measuring the temperatures during the whole industrial process and comparing the microstructures of the conrod at different moments during the process with the Gleeble™ samples. There is good agreement between the industrial data, physical and numerical simulations.