Full-Field Microstructure Modeling of a Nickel Based Superalloy During Industrial Forging Processes

The present work aims to illustrate a methodology using the finite element FORGE® software for macroscopic forging simulations and then coupled with the finite element DIGIMU® software integrated metallurgical models with a full-field approach for simulating the microstructure evolution during the forging processes of 3 industrial components of Inconel 718. The metallurgical models in the DIGIMU® software include dynamic and post-dynamic recrystallization as well as the interaction of the matrix and the precipitates or the second-phase particles. The recrystallization model parameters were identified on forged laboratory samples. It was found that the developed models in the DIGIMU® software successfully predict both homogeneous and heterogeneous microstructures in terms of the average and the distribution of grain sizes on different industrial parts forged at super-solvus or sub-solvus temperatures. The findings demonstrate great potential of the DIGIMU® software in microstructure predictions, which can help optimize the forging processes.