| Abstract: | An integrated process modelling system for simulating the microstructure evolution of Nb-microalloyed HSLA steel produced in CSP hot rolling process has been developed on the basis of the microstructure simulation and mechanical properties prediction technology. Thermo-mechanical coupled finite element models for simulating hot strip rolling have been developed and the distribution of equivalent plastic strain through the thickness direction in the rolled material of CSP rolling was carried out. Thus the distribution of temperature, strain and strain rate through the thickness of the steel stocks, as well as the microstructure evolution during hot rolling of X60 line pipe steel strip have been investigated by using the developed integrated process modelling system. In addition the determination and optimization of controllable process parameters during CSP hot strip rolling for the Nb-microalloyed X60 line pipe steel have been implemented, and control strategies such as adopting larger pass reduction in the first stand, and arranging appropriate pass interval times and proper rolling speed, to reduce or eliminate mixed-grains microstructure of Nb microalloyed strip in CSP processing have been proposed. |
