Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) Multi-Scale Model Development for Advanced High Strength Steels

This paper presents development of a multi-scale material model for a 980 MPa grade transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, subject to a two-step quenching and partitioning heat treatment (QP980), based on integrated computational materials engineering principles (ICME Model). The model combines micro-scale material properties defined by the crystal plasticity theory with the macro-scale mechanical properties, such as flow curves under different loading paths. For an initial microstructure the flow curves of each of the constituent phases (ferrite, austenite, martensite) are computed based on the crystal plasticity theory and the crystal orientation distribution function. Phase properties are then used as an input to a state variable model that computes macro-scale flow curves while accounting for hardening caused by austenite transformation into martensite under different straining paths. The ICME model calibration is implemented in the LS-OPT analysis tool as a component of an optimization process. The final result of the ICME Model calibration is a user-defined material subroutine, implemented in LS-DYNA finite element analysis software, which can be subsequently used in vehicle crashworthiness performance simulations.