Computational integration and experimental validation of a two-length scale model for accurate prediction of steels’ plastic behavior during phase transformation

Transformation plasticity, essential during solid–solid phase transitions, significantly impacts industrial processes like welding and quenching. Accurately simulating these procedures necessitates understanding thermal, metallurgical, and mechanical effects. Leblond et al.’s model offers a foundation, but refinement for mixed isotropic/kinematic hardening is crucial. We enhance this model by introducing characteristic length scales through nonlocal variables, illuminating plastic deformation mechanisms in both phases. Our work includes numerical implementation within a finite element analysis framework and practical applications to phase transformation scenarios involving A.508 cl. 3 and A533 low-alloy steels. Results affirm model robustness and efficiency in predicting phase transformation phenomena, benefiting industrial applications.