8. Modeling

The development of a microalloyed steel for a given application involves a number of choices in terms of chemical composition and thermomechanical cycle. This should make it possible to predict the desired properties without having to carry out numerous laboratory and factory tests, and to choose an optimum manufacturing cycle.

As the targeted properties are multiple (yield strength, strength, ductility, machinability, toughness), a whole range of knowledge and algorithms must be implemented, taking into account all manufacturing stages. The use of optimal calculation models is often called for, but compromises are still pragmatic.

The partial models required are listed in table 6 .