Microstructure and micro-texture evolution during large strain deformation of Inconel alloy IN718

The hot deformation behaviour of Inconel alloy IN718 was studied in the temperature range of 950-1100 degrees C and at strain rates of 0.01 and 1 s(-1) with a view to understand the microstructural evolution as a function of strain rate and temperature. For this purpose, a single hit, hot isothermal plane strain compression (PSC) technique was used. The flow curves obtained during PSC exhibited weak flow softening at higher temperatures. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis (EBSD) of the PSC tested samples at the location of maximum strain revealed dynamic recrystallisation occurring at higher temperatures. Based on detailed microstructure and microtexture analyses, it was concluded that single step, large strain deformation has a distinct advantage in the thermo-mechanical processing of Inconel alloy IN718. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.