Monte Carlo simulation of influence of reheat temperature on austenite grain growth in C–Mn steel

Abstract

The evolution and topology of a two-dimensional austenite grain growth of C–Mn steel are simulated by the Monte Carlo (MC) model during the reheating process. Simulated microstructural maps have been generated in a square lattice (400×400) at various MC steps and temperatures. Normalised grain size distribution has also been computed at different reheating temperatures, assuming a uniform temperature distribution in the slab. Two important model parameters, namely, the grain growth exponent and the model constant, have been estimated to predict the average grain size. The activation energy for grain growth has been calculated using the Arrhenius relationship. The grain growth behaviour as a function of both MC and physical time has been computed, and the effect of temperature on the rate of growth has been analysed. The predicted temporal evolutions of grain growth and model parameters have been validated with the published literature and found to be in good agreement.

Keywords:

• Monte Carlo simulation
• C–Mn steel
• Grain growth evolution
• Average grain size
• Reheating temperature

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Director, NML, and Dr I. Cattoraj of NML Jamshedpur for their support and constructive suggestions.