Deformation characteristics and grain size effect of thin silicon steel sheet during shearing

Abstract

The characteristics of shearing force and shearing surface, working hardening at the shearing edge, and structural evolution of microstructures during the transverse shearing of thin silicon steel sheet (SSS) were explored. On this basis, the influences of the thickness and grain size of the thin SSS and lateral clearance of the tool on shearing deformation processes were further analyzed. The results showed that on the condition that the grain size of the thin SSS increased, the compatibility of deformation was worsened and thus the orientation of grains influenced the deformation process more, consequently leading to the expansion of the plastically deformed zone and therefore increased shearing force. On the condition of having the same lateral clearance of the tool, with the growth of grain size, the rollover zone of shearing surface increased, the burnish zone reduced, burr increased, the plastically deformed zone size increased, the range and degree of work hardening increased, and the quality of shearing surface was impaired. The shearing of the thin SSS with a large grain size was more sensitive to lateral clearance of the tool: various defects were more likely to occur in the shearing fracture surface.