The effect of hot rolling process parameters on the microstructure, toughness and damage evolution of High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steels

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Stelco Inc. is a major Canadian steel producer and significant contributor to the national economy. High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel is an important product for Stelco due to its significant application within the energy, infrastructure, transportation, and agriculture sectors. Stelco and the University of Guelph will investigate a number of different and novel HSLA grades that Stelco produces by varying hot rolling process parameters and steel chemistry. The goal of this research project is to link the effect of HSLA microstructural characteristics (carbon-rich phases, distributions, morphology, grain size, inclusions, precipitates) on the meso-scale damage evolution, large-scale fracture test performance, and ultimately toughness of the material. In this research effort, we will complete a (1) comprehensive microstructural characterization of the steels (2) conduct large-scale fracture testing at various temperatures and strain-rate (Charpy V-Notch, Uniaxial, Drop Weight Tear Test) (3) conduct in-situ SEM testing with digital image correlation (4) quantify damage evolution and use the data to (5) validate advanced representative volume element (RVE) finite element models of the microstructures. The successful execution of this project will allow Stelco to better understand design an HSLA microstructure that will result in a high performance material with enhanced toughness.