On the simulation of austenite to bainite phase transformation

In this work we present a macroscopic material model for simulation of austenite to bainite transformation accompanied by transformation plasticity (TP), which is an important phenomenon in metal forming processes. In order to account for the incubation time the model considers nucleation of the bainite phase. When this quantity attains a barrier term, growth of bainite volume fraction is started. The model formulation allows for individual evolutions of upper and lower bainite. Furthermore the experiments of austenite to bainite phase transformation and the transformation plasticity as a result of bainite phase transformation and elastic stresses are described.

Research highlights
► Experimental results and a model of austenite to bainite phase transformation.
► Study the transformation plasticity effect as a consequence of stresses.
► Evolution equation for nucleation of bainite on the basis of driving forces.
► Individual approaches for upper and lower bainite.
► Simulation of an asymmetric incubation time curve.