Prediction of post-dynamic austenite-to-ferrite transformation and reverse transformation in a low-carbon steel by cellular automaton modeling

The post-dynamic transformation that takes place during the subsequent isothermal holding for the case when dynamic strain-induced transformation (DSIT) from austenite to ferrite occurs during hot deformation is investigated by cellular automaton modeling. The simulation provides a better understanding of carbon diffusion in retained austenite and the resulting microstructure evolution during the post-dynamic transformation. The predictions reveal that continuing transformation from retained austenite to ferrite and the reverse transformation can occur simultaneously in the same microstructure during post-deformation isothermal holding owing to the locally acting chemical equilibrium conditions. Competition between forward and reverse transformation exists during the early stage of post-dynamic heat treatment. It is also revealed that increasing the final strain of DSIT might promote the reverse transformation, whereas the continuous austenite-to-ferrite transformation yields a diminishing effect. The influence of the DSIT final strain on the grain size of ferrite and the characteristics of the resultant microstructure is also discussed. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.