Parametric numerical simulations of TRIP and its interaction with classical plasticity in martensitic transformation

In previous works we have experimentally demonstrated that a plastic predeformation of the austenitic phase has a significant role on the development of TRIP during the subsequent ferritic transformation (bainitic or martensitic). Such an observation is not predicted by current models, even the most sophisticated “industrial” analytical model existing in literature. By “industrial” we mean a model easy to use in FE code for structural analysis with a reasonable number of easily identifiable parameters.The objective of this paper is to contribute to a better comprehension of the mechanisms leading to the observed discrepancies between experiment and modelling. For that purpose, a FE micromechanical approach originally proposed in [Ganghoffer, J.F., Simonsson, K., 1998. A micromechanical model of the martensitic transformation, Mech. Mater. 27, 125–144] has been used and extended. The effect of different “numerical” parameters related to the simulation of martensitic transformation in 16MND5 steel has been evaluated. This has allowed to determine configurations of modelling that provide correct qualitative and quantitative results as compared to predeformation experimental tests.