Crystal plasticity finite element study on the microstructure and orientations evolution of {100} columnar grains in electrical steels

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Most of the electrical steel slabs are composed of {100} columnar grains. After hot rolling, there is a texture gradient across the thickness. The surface shear textures (Goss texture{110}<100>, Brass texture{110}<112>, Copper texture{112}<111>) and certain <001>//ND fiber textures after hot rolling can be inherited into the finished sheet. The volume fraction and distribution of these textures after cold rolling significantly influence the magnetic properties. Therefore, a full-field crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) was employed to simulate the evolution of microstructure and orientations of {100} columnar grains under plane strain compression and an additional displacement gradient component L13. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of the simulated microstructure, it was found that under plane strain compression, {100}<110> grains were the most stable, followed by {100}<001> grains. Nearly {100}<021> orientation rotated towards {114}<481> orientation at the extremities of the simulation block. The additional displacement gradient component L13 enhanced the rotational effect. At the 45° shear direction and ends of the simulation block, the {110}<110> orientation originated from {100}<001> grains, the nearly {110}<112> orientation formed from {100}<021> grains, and the {112}<111> Copper orientation derived from {100}<110> grains. However, the simulation did not demonstrate the development of Goss shear orientation.