A stochastic model for austenite phase formation during arc welding of a low alloy steel

Modeling the microstructure of heat-affected zone (HAZ) in weld area can be useful in predicting mechanical behavior of the weldment. A multi-scale model is proposed to calculate the temperature distribution and to predict the microstructure evolution within the HAZ. Finite difference method was used to develop a computer model for studying the cooling curves during welding, and a stochastic method to analyze the austenite formation and its grain growth in HAZ. The droplet of liquid metal detached from electrode in manual arc metal welding is an important concern in studying the temperature distribution and the austenite grains growth. Both heat content of liquid metal detached from electrode and heat generated by electrical arc were used in calculation of temperature distribution. The stochastic model simulates the austenite phase formation and its growth during welding based on the kinetics of these processes. With this model, it is possible to visualize the topology of austenite phase. This multi-scale model was applied to the welding of low alloy steel. The observed morphology was in good agreement with that predicted by the model.