Semi phenomenological modelling of the behavior of TRIP steels

A new semi-phenomenological model is developed based on a mean-field description of the TRIP behavior for the simulation of multiaxial loads. This model intends to reduce the number of internal variables of crystalline models that cannot be used for the moment in metal forming simulations. Starting from local and crystallographic approaches, the mean-field approach is obtained at the phase level with the concept of Mean Instantaneous Transformation Strain (MITS) accompanying martensitic transformation. Within the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes, driving forces, martensitic volume fraction evolution and an expression of the TRIP effect are determined for this new model. A classical self-consistent scheme is used to model the behavior of multiphased TRIP steels. The model is tested for cooling at constant loads and for multiaxial loadings at constant temperatures. The predictions reproduce the increase in ductility, the dynamic softening effect and the multiaxial behavior of a multiphased TRIP steel. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.