Dynamic Recrystallization Kinetics and Microstructural Evolution for LZ50 Steel During Hot Deformation

The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of LZ50 steel was investigated using hot compression tests at a deformation temperature of 870-1170 °C and a strain rate of 0.05-3 s−1. The effects of deformation temperature, strain, strain rate, and initial austenite grain size on the microstructural evolution during DRX were studied in detail. The austenite grain size of DRX was refined with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature, whereas the initial grain size had no influence on DRX grain size. A model based on the Avrami equation was proposed to estimate the kinetics of the DRX under different deformation conditions. A DRX map, which was derived from the DRX kinetics, the recrystallized microstructure, and the flow stress analysis, can be used to identify optimal deformation conditions. The initiation of DRX was lower than Zc (critical Zener-Hollomon parameter) and higher than εc (critical strain). The relationship between the DRX microstructure and the Z parameter was analyzed. Fine DRX grain sizes can be achieved with a moderate Z value, which can be used to identify suitable deformation parameters.