Simulation of continuous dynamic recrystallization using a level-set method

Abstract: Dynamic recrystallization is one of the main phenomena responsible for microstructure evolutions during hot forming. Consequently, getting a better understanding of DRX mechanisms and being able to predict them is crucial. This paper proposes a full-field numerical framework to predict the evolution of subgrain structures upon grain growth, continuous dynamic and post-dynamic recrystallization. The microstructure representation into the numerical environment is presented. The developments made to improve substructure description are detailed extensively. Using these simulation tools, simulation of grain growth of a fully substructured microstructure are run. The influence of microstructure topology, of subgrain parameters and of some remaining stored energy due to plastic deformation is discussed. An analysis of the criterion for discrimination of recrystallized grains is proposed. Finally, the ability of the framework to model continuous dynamic and post-dynamic recrystallization is assessed upon a case study. The influence of grain boundary properties and of nucleation rules are studied. The representativity of the results in regards of experimental data will be discussed in an upcoming article.