An Experimental and Computational Framework to Investigate the Microstructural Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Pearlitic Steels

Fully pearlitic steels are essential in many demanding structural applications due to their exceptional mechanical properties. These superior mechanical properties are attributed to the microstructural features of pearlite. However, investigating these steels via entirely experimental approaches is both time-consuming and costly, and only limited computational frameworks consider mesoscale plastic deformation of ferrite and cementite phases. This study introduces a comprehensive framework, integrating experimental and computational approaches, to scrutinize the impact of microstructural features on the mechanical behavior of pearlitic steels. Assigning specific plastic deformation and damage mechanics material models to the phases in the pearlite microstructure, along with calibrated parameters, enables a detailed investigation of the relationship between microstructure and mechanical behavior. Consistent with previous findings, the results show that a higher cementite volume fraction improves strength but diminishes failure strain, while increased interlamellar spacing correlates with reductions in both strength and fracture strain. Varying from random ferrite orientations to the [110] texture increases strength and reduces failure strain. These results validate the computational approach and reinforce the relationships between microstructural attributes and mechanical properties in pearlitic steels. Additionally, the study provides the basis for further computational material design that can enable tailored microstructures to achieve desired mechanical properties.