Recrystallisation of austenite grain when non-isotherm steel working: Effects of thermal kinetics and deformation-based mechanisms

The effects of high temperature deformation on the recrystallisation of austenite grains and hardening occurring during hot forging of steels were studied. Three commercial steels containing various carbon weight percentages were heated beyond the austenitising temperature and free forged up to desired deformation ratios. The specimens were then air-, or oil-cooled. Two zones were distinguished according to the grain-size: a zone with fine grains, associated with highest plastic deformation and, a zone with coarse grains located within the subsurface layers. Unexpectedly, the highest values of microindentation hardness were obtained in the coarse-grain zone. Consequently, the interaction between the grain-size gradient induced by thermal kinetics of cooling and the local hardening governed by dislocation kinetics was studied by means of microindentation hardness inspections. Analysis of stress–strain curves confirmed that while forging enhances mechanical strength, it has a detrimental effect on ductility of steel.