Microstructure modeling and prediction during thermomechanical processing

Drawing a connection between processing, structure, and properties is key to understanding the performance of metals in a target application. In such an endeavor, the development of models for the evolution of microstructure may play a key role; such models may be used to relate thermomechanical conditions typical of the manufacturing process to development of microstruc- ture. Additionally, a model (and quite possibly the same model) can indicate the performance of the resulting structure in the final application. Models of microstructure, thus, provide the links that connect the triad of processing, structure, and properties. A symposium held during the 2001 TMS Fall Meeting focused on both the development and application of microstructural modeling techniques. Papers presented at the symposium covered recent advances in various methods to analyze, model, and predict microstructural changes that occur during processing of a variety of metals, including steels, aluminum, titanium, and nickel-base alloys. The modeling techniques ranged from closed-form phenomenological descriptions to detailed computer simulations such as Monte Carlo methods and polycrystal plasticity. In particular, the inherent challenge in predicting microstructure development due to complex mecha- nisms, such as local (non-uniform) deformation, recrystallization, and phase transformation was emphasized. The following sections review some highlights of presentations made during the symposium in the areas of deforma- tion processing, recrystallization and grain growth, and phase transformation and precipitation.