Development of an integrated system for designing steelmaking aim compositions

A new integrated approach is proposed in this paper to generate and evaluate the alternative steelmaking aim compositions which not only meet the customer requirements but also suit the established rolling schedules. The methodology developed is based on hybrid approach combining knowledge-bases as well as mathematical modelling and is applicable for C-Mn steel grades. The system consists of two modules. The first module utilises various empirical models for the relationship between mechanical properties and the elements in steelmaking aim compositions, along with knowledge bases containing expert and heuristic knowledge of expert metallurgists to generate a list of alternative steelmaking aim compositions. The second module uses the output of the first module and computes the microstructural evolution during processing depending on steel composition and known processing conditions such as strain, strain rate, temperature, interpass time and plate cooling rate. Calculated values of the metallurgical parameters are then used to estimate the achievable mechanical properties in the final hot rolled product using knowledge-bases. System output is expected to assist product development metallurgists in the selection of appropriate steelmaking aim compositions for any combination of property specifications required by the customer.