Finite element modelling of an Al-Mn alloy by equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE)

Much effort has been devoted to the study of superplastic forming in aluminium alloys because of its engineering advantages. From a mechanical point of view, the ability of a crystalline material to undergo superplastic behaviour is usually linked to a submicrometer grain size. Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) processes allow obtaining of micrometer or even nanometer grain size and mechanical properties are hence improved. Moreover, in ECAE the cross-section of the specimen does not change, in contrast with traditional deformation methods. This work presents a study of the application of this technique using different die angles. Finite element modelling is included in order to analyse the deformation fields as the material passes through the dies. Also the influence of the die geometry on the deformations is studied. In order to perform the FEM simulations the physical properties of the 3103 Al-Mn alloy have been selected. Also experimental results performed on a 5083 Al-Mg alloy have been included. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.