Evaluation of the Austenite recrystallization by multideformation and double deformation tests

A high amount of deformation below the non-recrystallization temperature (T(nr)) is a common industrial practice to achieve a good combination of toughness and strength in microalloyed steels. To combine the industrially relevant optimum combination of high productivity and product quality, an accurate knowledge of T(nr) and the recrystallization kinetics is required. Although a lot of literature data is available on the recrystallization behaviour of microalloyed steels, correlations are often difficult to be made due to the effect of different experimental set-ups and test schedules used to obtain this data. Although it would significantly improve the knowledge about these steels, so far, no systematic comparison has been presented in literature to correlate the different techniques one to another. In this study, different hot rolling simulation techniques and testing schedules were compared, within the experimental constraints of the used equipment, to determine the T(nr) temperature of two microalloyed steels. Good agreement was found between the results from different test equipment. Furthermore, the results from the multideformation tests under continuous cooling conditions could be correlated with the results from isothermal double deformation tests