Analytical and experimental investigations into microstructure evolution in hot bar stretching

Transition in austenite grain size distribution after hot forging, which is closely related to recrystallization, is investigated. Rapid change in gra in size distribution just after hot bar stretching is experimentally obtain ed by hot compression test with controlled rapid quenching, and experimenta l results are examined by microstructure analysis using incremental approac h with three-dimensional finite element analysis for plastic deformation. T hrough investigation, it has become clear that transient change in microstr ucture is very rapid with higher amount of plastic deformation. Microstruct ure analysis using incremental approach with three-dimensional finite eleme nt analysis for plastic deformation is helpful to evaluate rapid change in cross-sectional grain size distribution after hot bar stretching.