On the role of particles distribution on damage and fatigue mechanisms

Abstract : Damage and fatigue properties of steel grades are often related to particles shape and chemical composition. To understand the role of particles on damage and fatigue mechanisms numerical modelling at the microscale level can be helpful. It is shown here how forging can induce an oriented microstructure (grain flow orientation) that induces anisotropic damage and fatigue behaviour. Then a microstructure builder (DIGIMICRO) is presented to illustrate how it is possible to create a realistic microstructure in an elementary volume. Computations performed within this heterogeneous elementary volume can be used to understand the anisotropy induced by particles shape and orientation.