Using Intercritical CCT Diagrams and Multiple Linear Regression for the Development of Low-Alloyed Advanced High-Strength Steels

The present work presents a theoretical and experimental study regarding the microstructure, phase transformations and mechanical properties of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) of third generation produced by thermal cycles similar than those used in a continuous annealing and galvanizing (CAG) process. The evolution of microstructure and phase transformations were discussed from the behavior of intercritical continuous cooling transformation diagrams calculated with the software JMatPro, and further characterization of the steel by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and dilatometry. Mechanical properties were estimated with a mathematical model obtained as a function of the alloying elements concentrations by multiple linear regression, and then compared to the experimental mechanical properties determined by uniaxial tensile tests. It was found that AHSS of third generation can be obtained by thermal cycles simulating CAG lines through modifications in chemistry of a commercial AISI-1015 steel, having an ultimate tensile strength of UTS = 1020–1080 MPa and an elongation to fracture of Ef = 21.5–25.3%, and microstructures consisting of a mixture of ferrite phase, bainite microconstituent and retained austenite/martensite islands. The determination coefficient obtained by multiple linear regression for UTS and Ef was R2 = 0.94 and R2 = 0.84, respectively. In addition, the percentage error for UTS and Ef was 2.45–7.87% and 1.18–16.27%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed model can be used with a good approximation for the prediction of mechanical properties of low-alloyed AHSS.