Modeling of flow stress of bainitic and martensitic functionally graded steels under hot compression

In the present paper, hot deformation behaviour of functionally graded steels (FGSs) is investigated by means of hot compression tests at different temperatures and strain rates. Functionally graded steels (FGSs) consist of ferrite (α), austenite (γ), bainite (β) and martensite (M) co-existing in different configurations and produced via electroslag remelting (ESR). Zener-Hollomon parameter (Z-H equation) is evaluated to describe the mean flow stress of FGSs (with αβγ and γMγ structures) as a function of temperature and strain rate. The values of stress power (n) and activation energy (Q) are also determined. A new analytical model is developed to determine the flow stress under hot deformation behaviour. The model considers a phase mixture law and boundary layers properties which are obtained by experimental investigation on single phase materials. Finally, the values assessed by using the new analytical frames are compared with those obtained from new experimental tests and a sound agreement is found. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.