Relief of strain hardening in deformed Inconel 718 by high-density pulsed electric current

The effect of high-density pulsed electric current (HDPEC) on the microstructure evolution and corresponding changes in the mechanical properties of the deformed Ni-based alloy Inconel 718 was investigated. After HDPEC treatment, the strain hardening was fully relieved and the ductility recovered correspondingly. The results show that the dislocation density plays a dominant role, and the grain size has a side effect on the strain-hardening relief. Furthermore, the correlation between the mechanical properties and microstructure evolution affected by HDPEC was clarified. HDPEC treatment provides a way to alter the microstructure and thus tailor the mechanical properties of the deformed components. Hence, it is applicable to the metal-forming field to achieve rapid relief of strain hardening and enhance formability.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that high-density pulsed electric current treatment can fully relieve strain hardening and restore ductility accordingly; dislocation density plays a dominant role in this process, while grain size has a side effect on strain hardening relief. HDPEC treatment can alter the microstructure of materials, allowing for the enhancement of mechanical properties in deformed components, achieving rapid relief of strain hardening and improved formability.