[d=A]A tailor-made microstructure, especially regarding grain size and texture, improves the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steels. One way to adjust the microstructure is to control the production and processing in great detail. Simulation and modeling approaches can help to evaluate the impact of different process parameters and finally select them appropriately. We present individual model approaches for hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing and shear cutting and aim to connect the models to account for the complex interrelationships between the process steps. A layer model combined with a microstructure model describes the grain size evolution during hot rolling. The crystal plasticity finite-element method (CPFEM) predicts the cold-rolling texture. Grain size and texture evolution during annealing is captured by the level-set method and the heat treatment model GraGLeS2D+. The impact of different grain sizes across the sheet thickness on residual stress state is evaluated by the surface model. All models take heterogeneous microstructures across the sheet thickness into account. Furthermore, a relationship is established between process and material parameters and magnetic properties. The basic mathematical principles of the models are explained and demonstrated using laboratory experiments on a non-oriented electrical steel with 3.16 wt.% Si as an example. Improving the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steels are of high interest. In this context, improvement by a tailor-made microstructure, especially regarding grain size and texture, is one focus. One way to adjust the microstructure is to control the production and processing in great detail. Simulation and modeling approaches, emphasizing grain size and texture development, can help to evaluate and finally set process parameters. Here, we present individual model approaches for hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing and shear cutting and aim to connect the models to account for the complex interrelationships between the process steps. Furthermore, a connection between the process parameters and the magnetic properties is drawn. Grain size, grain size distribution, texture and dislocation density are the main transfer parameters in between the models. All models take heterogeneous microstructures across the sheet thickness into account. The basic mathematical principles of the models are explained, and a case study is presented in each case using FeSi3.2wt%Si as an example material.
Integrated Process Simulation of Non-Oriented Electrical Steel
