Phase field simulation of the carbon redistribution during the quenching and partitioning process in a low-carbon steel

Phase-field modelling is used to simulate the quenching and partitioning process in a low-carbon transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, in order to understand the carbon redistribution in the microstructure during the heat treatment. The simulations show that, depending on local characteristics of the microstructure, including phase distributions and carbon-concentration gradients, different features in the carbon evolution during the partitioning step occur that are physically and practically relevant, but are not accessible for experimental observation. The overall carbon partitioning from martensite to austenite occurs not only by direct diffusion from martensite to austenite, but also through the bulk ferrite grains. The simulations also show interface migration driven by the free-energy difference between austenite and martensite, which affects the fractions of phases and the dimensions of the austenite grains. The carbon content of individual austenite, martensite and ferrite grains as well as average values are analysed, showing that the carbon concentration within the austenite grains is strongly inhomogeneous at short partitioning times, which contributes to a variable mechanical stability of individual austenite grains, affecting the occurrence of TRIP.