Estimation of dislocation densities in cold rolled Al-Mg-Cu-Mn alloys by combination of yield strength data, EBSD and strength models

Al-Mg-Cu-Mn alloys have been developed for the packaging industry, in which large cold-working deformations are normally applied that can produce high dislocation densities. In this study, we present a simplified model for the yield strength contributions and apply that to obtain the dislocation densities by determining the orientation factors, which can be obtained via the crystal information of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). One alloy subjected to three cold-rolling reductions (10%, 40% and 90%) has been analysed by EBSD, and the density of dislocations are estimated using the strengthening model. This assessment suggests that dislocation densities by the Taylor model are roughly consistent but slightly lower than those determined by transmission electron microscopy.