Simulation of hot-rolled dual-phase weathering steel 09CuPCrNi

The continuous cooling transformation diagram of deformed austenite for steel 09CuPCrNi was constructed by means of a combined method of dilatometry and metallography. The diagram exhibits an elongated polygonal ferrite C-curve with a delayed pearlite start and a metastable austenite gap between the polygonal ferrite and pearlite regions and between the ferrite and bainite regions. For this experimental steel, it is possible to obtain a dual-phase microstructure directly by hot rolling and appropriate cooling. Based on the diagram, the technical process of a hot-rolled dual-phase treatment was established and simulated using a thermal simulation testing machine. Dual-phase microstructures were obtained that show some bainite phase and are characterized by an irregular distribution of island-shaped martensite in a matrix of equiaxed ferrite grains. The morphology of the martensite phase is essentially of the lath type, with small areas of micro-twins appearing. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.