Prediction of Residual Stresses in a Plate Subject to Accelerated Cooling: A 3-D Finite Element Model and an Approximate Model

In this paper, we present finite element (FE) models for the analysis of heat transfer and for the analysis of 3-D elastic–viscoplastic deformation of steel at elevated temperatures. Then, it is shown that, in conjunction with the models for the prediction of phase fraction, and thermal and mechanical properties, an integrated FE model can be obtained which is capable of predicting the detailed aspects of the thermal and mechanical behavior of the plate subject to accelerated cooling in a plate mill. Also, we present an approximate model for on-line prediction. The prediction accuracy of the approximate model is examined through comparison with the predictions from the integrated FE model. Then, using the model, the effect of some selected process variables on the residual stress distributions is investigated.