Recent Advances in Microstructure, Experiment and Numerical Simulation of Steel

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 770

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management Engineering (DMMM), Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: steels; numerical simulation; microstructure; property

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management Engineering (DMMM), Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: steels; numerical simulation; microstructure; property

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will bring together recent advances in the characterization, processing, and modeling of advanced steels for structural and automotive applications. It will focus on the complex interplay between microstructural evolution, thermo-mechanical processing, and the resulting mechanical properties. Particular attention will be given to novel steel compositions and microstructural design strategies that enhance strength and ductility, as well as to recent progress in heat treatment and forming technologies for high-strength steels. Contributions exploring advanced characterization methods for a deeper understanding of phase transformations, together with numerical and physical simulations of microstructure–property relationships, are especially encouraged. Furthermore, studies addressing innovative manufacturing and joining techniques that improve the performance and reliability of high-strength steel components are highly welcome.

In this context, researchers and experts in the fields of steel metallurgy, materials engineering, and mechanical engineering are invited to contribute original research that addresses the latest developments and challenges in the microstructure and mechanical properties of high-strength steels.

Dr. Maria Emanuela Palmieri
Prof. Dr. Luigi Tricarico
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced high-strength steels (AHSS)
  • microstructure evolution
  • thermo-mechanical processing
  • heat treatment
  • microstructure–property relationship
  • numerical and physical simulation
  • phase transformation
  • steel design and optimization

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

19 pages, 8252 KB  
Review
Research Progress on Hot Deformation Behavior of High Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steels: Influence Factors and Microstructure Control of Hot Deformation at High Temperature
by Yinghu Wang, Limei Cheng, Zhendong Sheng, Enuo Wang, Jianqiang Wang and Jianyan Xu
Metals 2026, 16(4), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16040361 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 546
Abstract
High nitrogen austenitic stainless steels are an important engineering structural material. Under annealing conditions, the addition of interstitial solid solution element nitrogen can improve the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy without reducing its plasticity. In addition, nitrogen can partly or [...] Read more.
High nitrogen austenitic stainless steels are an important engineering structural material. Under annealing conditions, the addition of interstitial solid solution element nitrogen can improve the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy without reducing its plasticity. In addition, nitrogen can partly or completely replace the more expensive nickel element at a relatively cheap element cost to improve economic benefits, while maintaining or even enhancing the excellent corrosion resistance of stainless steels. However, the cracks and defects caused by high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels during hot working in high temperature ranges have always been the pain points in the engineering field. High nitrogen elements bring high temperature strength, but also narrow the hot working temperature range, the possibility of nitride precipitation and the tendency of heat induced cracking, which limit the further engineering application of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels. It is urgent to analyze and study the hot deformation law of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels in engineering. This article commences with an examination of the developmental trajectory of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel, elucidates the role and strengthening mechanism of nitrogen, and delineates the factors influencing the mechanical behavior of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel during hot working. These factors include the impact of nitrogen content and manufacturing processes, hot-working parameters, grain size distribution, and the presence of precipitated phases. This article synthesizes various studies, analyzes the causes of thermal cracking, and proposes potential solutions. Ultimately, it summarizes the practical applications and future prospects of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel, highlighting its substantial potential. Full article
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