Deformation behavior of typical inclusions in GCr15 during hot rolling process

Non-metallic inclusions have a considerable influence on the lifespan of bearing steel. Studying the deformation behavior of these inclusions during the rolling process is crucial for controlling their shape and size in production. This study focuses on GCr15 bearing steel, a representative grade of bearing steel, and utilizes ABAQUS finite element software to simulate the deformation of Al2O3 inclusions, MnS inclusions, and Al2O3-MnS composite inclusions after hot rolling of GCr15 steel. The findings indicate that when the size of the inclusions is within 10 ?m, their type and shape have a greater influence than variations in size. Among them, Al2O3-MnS composite inclusions damage the steel matrix the least. The stress concentration of Al2O3 inclusions will occur on the MnS cladding layer, which can slow down the occurrence of cracks. In additionally, the aspect ratio of MnS inclusions decreases after rolling, which reduces their influence on the anisotropy of the steel matrix. At the same time, composite inclusions can harmonize the deformation capabilities of the inclusions and the steel matrix, minimizing the likelihood of void formation. Consequently, in the smelting process, it is beneficial to modify inclusions into regular circular shapes and form composite Al2O3-MnS inclusions to mitigate their detrimental effects on the steel matrix.