Investigation of processing-microstructure-property relationship using hot compression of a cone-shaped specimen

Gradient microstructure of the specimen was achieved by applying gradient thermoplastic deformation via electric resistance heating and hot compression of the cone-shaped specimen. A numerical modeling and experiment tests are conducted to investigate the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties in different regions of the specimen subjected to the gradient process parameters. Microstructure analysis revealed a direct relationship between the grain size and processing parameters. The temperature distribution on the gradient specimen ranges from about 800 to 1110 degrees C and equivalent strain along the axis of symmetry of the specimen section ranges from about 0.1 to 1.2. Under a temperature of 1050 degrees C and the equivalent strain of 0.7, the middle region of the specimen section has fine and equiaxed prior-austenitic grains with an average size of (27 +/- 11) mu m. Corresponding to the processing parameters, the lath martensite variants microstructure in this position with the highest hardness of (946 +/- 17) HV. Consequently, the linkages among hot compression parameters, microstructure, and material properties of hardness are established via a high-throughput method in a cone-shaped specimen.