The Microstructure Module expands the capabilities of DEFORM-2D and DEFORM-3D to include a wide range of microstructure and mechanical property information. Two approaches for modeling microstructure evolution during thermo-mechanical processing are implemented in DEFORM.

The Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMAK) is an empirical method. JMAK models are used to predict average grain size and percent recrystallization throughout a part. This method has been used in aerospace industry to predict grain size in nickel-based superalloys for years. Dynamic, metadynamic, static recrystallization kinetics and grain growth are modeled. JMAK microstructure model data are available within DEFORM for a variety of materials.

This example, courtesy of Carmel Forge, demonstrates excellent correlation between the model and a production Waspaloy turbine disk forging.
DEFORM also makes it possible to simulate phase transformations in steels. This allows for the prediction of phase, hardness, strength, residual stress and distortion. For example, the spur gear shown above underwent induction heat treatment to yield harder teeth. Induction coils were rotated around the gear to produce uniform heating around the gear circumference. The gear teeth transformed to austenite during heating and subsequently transformed to martensite upon cooling in a quench process.

Microstructure modeling is used to predict residual stress and a range of mechanical properties. Scientific Forming Technologies Corp. is the leader in the development and application of microstructure modeling for research and industrial applications

Product Specifications

  • Model outputs for the Microstructure Module include grain size, percentage recrystallization and phase volume fraction. rain orientation, percipitate size and texture.
  • Standard DEFORM-HT outputs such as distortion and residual stress are also available.

Licensing Options

  • The Microstructure Module can be added to a DEFORM-2D or DEFORM-3D license to enable microstructure evolution during thermo-mechanical processing.

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