Thermomechanical Microstructure Control
The targeted combination of plastic deformation and precisely controlled temperature management to produce a fine-grained, high-strength microstructure. The process optimizes the strength-to-toughness ratio.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism
Thermomechanical grain refinement combines mechanical deformation (plastic deformation) with controlled temperature. This causes the crystal structure of the metal to rearrange in small areas, resulting in a fine-grained structure.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A fine-grained structure increases strength and toughness but reduces durability. If applied incorrectly, the material can develop hot cracks or excessive hardness, affecting mechanical performance.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To achieve thermomechanical grain refinement, the weld must be cooled in a precisely controlled way. This requires exact cooling rates and often special post-treatment techniques like drawing or rolling. The optimal cooling curve should keep the material in a critical temperature range to alter the crystal structure.