Ex situ analysis of high-strength quenched and micro-alloyed steel during austenitising bending process: numerical simulation and experimental investigation

Abstract This paper compares the microstructure and mechanical evolution in a high-strength quenched micro-alloyed steel during austenitising bending process. Simulation results indicated new finding that stress neutral layer (SNL) tends to move tension zone straining. The hardness gradient detected from centre compression/tension zones was resulted comprehensive factors: First of all, location SNL revealed prominent impact on strength. Second, dislocation accumulation would be responsible for surfaces. In addition, overall strength decrease straining mainly ascribed integrated effects dynamic recovery (DRV) recrystallisation (DRX). Apart that, smaller martensite packet size coarser prior austenite grains increased value at lower degree. Also, high consistency between experimental simulation is instructive practical forming process railway spring fasteners.