Modeling heat flow and microstructure of microalloyed steels produced on an industrial run out table

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Micro-alloyed steels are very cost-effective steels for a wide range of applications where improved mechanical properties, namely strength, hardness, creep and toughness, are desired. Careful control of the chemistry of the steel, coupled with controlled processing of the slabs through hot working and cold forming result in achieving the desired properties for microalloyed steels. Typically, these properties are achieved metallurgically in thermomechanical processing through a combination of grain refinement, solute strengthening and precipitation hardening. One of the key operations in achieving these properties is on the run out table (ROT). Here the strip steel is cooled after the last rolling pass to achieve the desired microstructure and properties of the skelp. Recent advances in modeling the heat losses on the ROT and the CCT diagram provides the opportunity to further enhance and control the finished microstructure and properties as well as the homogeneity and consistency of the product from the start of a coil to its end. In this project, we aim to further validate this combined heat transfer-microstructure evolution model for the ROT using different grades of pipeline microalloyed steels. This project will involve the carrying out of plant trials, coupled with the generation of CCT Diagrams for the steels, mathematical modeling of the heat loss from the skelp coupled with the steel transformation. Two Graduate Students per year will be trained in this 4 year project. The fundamental understanding of the fabrication, microstructure, properties and performance of these higher strength microalloyed steel grades for pipeline applications will have significant socio-economic benefits to Canada.