ECAP process capability in producing a power transmission bimetallic rod

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn recent years, bimetallic rods have been considered by researchers due to the industrial applications in power transmission systems. In this paper, an Al-Steel rod is produced by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) process. First, severe plastic deformation is applied to Al-Steel rod by ECAP process, and then some experiments such as microhardness measurement, interface strength evaluation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and microstructure analysis have been accomplished to assess the capability of ECAP process in producing a power transmission bimetallic rod. Then, to evaluate significant parameters on strain distribution and pressing force, the FEM has been utilized. After verification of the numerical method, the effect of several parameters such as diameter, location, peripheral materials, and die angle on the applied strain and homogeneity are studied. The results indicate that the steel and aluminum hardness are increased about 59 and 61% after four passes ECAP, respectively. Also, the average grain size of steel core is reduced about 79% at the same conditions after four passes. In addition, the images received from SEM show that the interfaces between steel and aluminum have been improved significantly.