Tools for rapid development of next generation advanced high strength steels
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB - Swerim AB, Kista |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 000 000 |
| Project duration | November 2018 - December 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
| Call | 2018-02825-en |
Important results from the project
The overall project goal was to develop new tools that can support increased understanding of the development of the microstructure and the material properties of advanced high strength steel. An integrated approach was employed with model-based interpretation of GLUS data intended to enable real-time monitoring of dynamic microstructure changes. The project has also contributed to the installation of the world´s first grain size gauge in an industrial setting. The new gauge is expected to enable better process control and rolling stability.
Expected long term effects
The project contributed to a validated and robust grain size model implemented to measure absolute grain size in a hot rolling mill. The measured online grain size was compared with mechanical properties of quenched ultra-high strength steels and shows a correlation to mechanical strength for some of the steel grades. A LUS-anisotropymodel is initiated with potential to measure the degree of recrystallization from online LUS data. The project also quantitatively demonstrated the role of Nb during thermomechanical processing leading to a better understanding of the material.
Approach and implementation
The project was divided into 8 work packages and was planned to run for just under 3 years from Nov. 2018 to Sep. 2021. Due to covid-19, many of the activities were delayed and hence the project extended by 15 months.