Thermomechanical Process Innovation via Computer Modeling and Simulation

A new approach is proposed in this paper that describes the development of flexible rolling technology in industrial processing of C – Mn and Low C - microalloyed steels. Scientific knowledge of industrially-significant processes for these materials is presently fragmented and scattered in published literature, which causes impediment to process innovation and optimization. In the current work, it is demonstrated that new process sequences could be developed by breaking down existing process routes in to key elements and then by recombining them to generate novel alternative and more efficient hot processing sequences. The proposed methodology establishes a platform for a more realistic assessment of existing process routes and the development of new hybrid process routes that combine ideas from alternative processes. This enables the identification of an optimal process sequence for specified steel compositions that also satisfies simultaneous design criteria such as process feasibility and property maximization. Application of the proposed algorithm in industrial-scale rod rolling of a medium C-Mn steel is demonstrated and discussed.