Recrystallization and grain growth in hot rolling

The background physical metallurgy and the data available on recrystallization and grain growth after hot deformation of low-carbon manganese steel are briefly reviewed. The derived structural relationships are then used in a computing procedure which enables the evolution of microstructure during rolling to be predicted as a function of the temperatures, pass reductions, speeds, and times in rolling schedules. Plate rolling is considered as a specific example and it is shown that uncertainties in the basic data do not seriously affect the predictions whereas modifying the rolling schedules leads to major differences in the asrolled microstructures. In particular, there are critical regions in the rolling schedule when recrystallization times are of the order of the interpass times. Where comparisons can be made, the predictions are in agreement with practical observations.