Influence of Outer Corner Radius in Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Abstract

Abstract — Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) is currentlybeing widely investigated because of its potential to produce ultra-fine grained microstructures in metals and alloys. A sound knowledge of the plastic deformation and strain distribution is necessary for understanding the relationships between strain inhomogeneity and die geometry. Considerable research has been reported on finite element analysis of this process, assuming three-dimensional plane strain condition. However, the two-dimensional models are not suitable due to the geometry of the dies, especially in cylindrical ones. In the present work, three-dimensional simulation of ECAP process was carried out for six outer corner radii (sharp to 10 mm in steps of 2 mm), with channel angle 105q, for strain hardening aluminium alloy (AA 6101) using ABAQUS/Standard software. Strain inhomogeneity convenience in this paper), is presented and discussed for all cases. Pattern of strain variation along selected radial lines in the body of the work-piece is presented. It is found from the results that the outer corner has a significant influence on the strain distribution in the body of work-piece. Based on inhomogeneity and average strain criteria, there is an optimum outer corner radius. Analysis, strain inhomogeneity, plastic equivalent strain, ultra fine