A Multi-phase Field Model for Static Recrystallization of Hot Deformed Austenite in a C–Mn Steel

A multi-phase-field model has been developed to simulate the microstructure evolution and kinetics of the austenite static recrystallization (SRX) in a C–Mn steel. In this model, the bulk free energy that coupling the deformation stored energy with a special interpolation function is incorporated. Both the deformed grain topology and the deformation stored energy have been included in order to investigate the influence of pre-deformation on the subsequent austenite SRX at different hot deformation levels. Diverse scenarios of microstructure evolution show different deformation-dependent recrystallized grain sizes. The transformation kinetics is then discussed by analyzing the overall SRX fraction and the average interface velocity on the recrystallization front.