Modelling and optimization of the manufacturing chain for rails

Abstract Finite element model of the manufacturing chain for rails was developed. Microstructure evolution and phase transformation models were implemented into the FE codes. Simulations of the hot rolling supplied distributions of the temperature and the grain size, which were used as input data for modelling of phase transformation during cooling. Accelerated cooling by subsequent immersions of the rail head in the polymer solution was considered for the pearlitic steel. This process was optimized with the objective function composed of interlamellar spacing and hardness. Cooling in air was simulated for the bainitic steel rail.