Assessment of Potential Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Microstructure-Level Simulation for a Steel Component: An Exploratory Research

Bridges To Sustainability, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

In this exploratory research, an integrated methodology involving microstructure-level simulations and sustainability metrics will be developed to evaluate the environmental benefits of simulated microstructure-level improvements for a pilot steel component. This work represents the first phase of a comprehensive research thrust to determine the potential environmental benefits of microstructure-level simulations and to develop a design methodology to optimize the microstructure of a steel component based on its life-cycle environmental performance. The key to the feasibility of this project is the ability to adapt sustainability metrics into a useful decision-support tool for evaluating environmental impacts of alternatives for the design of steel components, such as the different steel microstructures with their associated manufacturing processes and product characteristics for desired product performance. Collaboration with Caterpillar will focus on both the technical research tasks and the educational foundation for undergraduate student interns.