Abstract
The microstructure evolution in hot forging process is composed of dynamic recrystallization during deformation as well as grain growth during dwell time. Therefore, the control of forging parameters such as strain, strain rate. temperature and holding time is important because the microstructure change in hot working affects the mechanical properties. Modeling equations are developed to represent the flow curve. grain size. recrystallized volume fraction and grain growth phenomena by various tests. The developed modeling equations were combined with thermo-viscoplastic finite element modeling to predict the microstructure change evolution during hot forging process. The large exhaust valve spindle (head diameter of 512mm) was simulated by closed die forging with hydraulic press and cooled in air after forging. The preform was heated to each 1080 and 1150$^{\circ}C$. Numerical calculation was performed by DEFORM-2D. a commercial finite element code. Heat transfer can be coupled with the deformation analysis in a non-isothermal deformation analysis. In order to obtain the fine and homogeneous microstructure and good mechanical properties in forging. the FEM would become a useful tool in the simulation of the microstructure development. In forging, appropriate temperature, strain and strain rate and rapid cooling are required to obtain the fine grain microstructure The optimal forging temperature and effective strain range of Nimonic 80A for large exhaust valve spindle are about 1080$\∼$l120$^{\circ}C$ and 150$\∼$200$\%$.
