A continuous dynamic recrystallization model to describe the hot deformation behaviour of a Ti5553 alloy

A physical based model is developed to describe recrystallization phenomena of titanium alloys during hot working of the β phase. Continuous dynamic recrystallization is attributed as the restoration mechanism based on the progressive transformation of low angle boundaries (subgrains) into high angle boundaries (grains). The model describes both, the microstructure, and the flow stress evolutions during hot deformation with large strains. The microstructure is conceived as been formed by three different populations of dislocations, and high as well as low angle grain boundaries. Evolution rates of all microstructural features are determined based on the effects of generation, interaction and annihilation of dislocations during deformation due to dynamic recovery, continuous dynamic recrystallization and static recovery. Continuous dynamic recrystallization is modelled and is considered to occur homogeneously within the microstructure. The model is able to predict the formation of subgrains from a fully annealed microstructure and the progressive formation of high angle grain boundaries. The subgrain and grain sizes are also obtained as output of the model. The model was applied to describe the hot compression behaviour of a Ti5553 alloy deformed between 880°C to 920°C and strain rates from 0.001 s^-1 up to 10 s^-1. The model is validated with flow curves and microstructural characterisation of hot deformed, and with microstructural information of non-deformed samples. The critical strain rate increases with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature, similar to the discontinuous dynamic recrystallization phenomenon. The model can be implemented to simulate the microstructure and predict flow stresses of titanium alloys in industrial processes.