Numerical Modelling of Transformation-Induced Plasticity in Hot Forging Simulations

Hot forming processes involve several interactive material phenomena. This includes transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP), which significantly affects the resulting deformations and residual stresses of the workpieces. The magnitude and orientation of TRIP strains are dependent on stress states that occur during cooling, making it essential to consider TRIP effects in process design. Material parameters required for modelling this were previously recorded and validated through experiments on AISI 52100. In this study, a material model based on this data is used to investigate a forged component by predicting the distortion occurring over the course of die forging, deflashing, and cooling. By comparing simulations with and without TRIP effects, the study demonstrates the potential for resource-efficient design of forging process routes, minimising scrap due to distortion and maximising material savings, up to the limit of a distortion-free component.