Multi-Phase-Field Analysis of Stress–Strain Curve and Ferrite Grain Formation during Dynamic Strain-Induced Ferrite Transformation

A numerical model of dynamic strain-induced ferrite transformation (DSFT) was developed by combining the multi-phase field model with the Kocks–Mecking model. Using the developed model, a three-dimensional simulation of the DSFT in a Fe-C alloy was performed to study the correlation between the variation in flow stress and the microstructure evolution during the DSFT. The simulation results indicated that the developed model successfully simulated the characteristic DSFT behavior, i.e., both the stress–strain curve with a single peak and the formation of an ultrafine-grained ferrite microstructure. The variation in the flow stress during the DSFT was characterized by the volume fraction of the ferrite phase.