Abstract

The static recrystallization characteristics and microstructure evolution in hot-deformed austenite were evaluated for a newly developed low-carbon CrNiMnB ultrahigh-strength steel with and without molybdenum addition. The time for 50% static recrystallization (t50%) over a wide range of strains and hot-deformation temperatures were obtained using the stress-relaxation technique on Gleeble thermomechanical simulator. Moreover, effect of deformation parameters on the size distribution and average size of prior austenite grains are investigated. A novel semi-automatic stress relaxation test reading tool with a graphical user interface was created and used successfully for the current study. The obtained results of strain‘s power and the apparent activation energy are within the range stated in literature for C-Mn and microalloyed steels. Addition of molybdenum increase the power of strain and the apparent activation energy from − 1.9 to − 2.6 and 206 to 212 kJ/mol, respectively. The retardation effect of molybdenum addition was shown by a new regression equation devised for calculating t50%. The developed equations show a good agreement with the experimental data and can be used in the designing of roughing during thermomechanical processing. The deformation parameters i.e., temperature, strain and holding time have a significant effect on the size distribution and average size of prior austenite grains.