Investigation of material flow behaviour and microstructure during differential velocity sideway extrusion

Abstract

Differential velocity sideway extrusion (DVSE) process is a cutting-edge technology to manufacture curved profiles with solid or hollow cross-sections. Extrusion welding is inevitable to form hollow cross-section profiles during DVSE. In the present work, two billets (AA1070) were welded into a bar in the chamber of an extrusion die through DVSE. The material flow behaviour, grain structure and its development in the extruded bar were studied. Based on material flow behaviour, the flow plane of material in the chamber of extrusion die can be divided into metal dead zone (MDZ), shearing intensive zone (SIZ), and metal flow zone (MFZ, including the welding zone). A sound weld without any bonding interface can be obtained by DVSE welding at 500 ℃ and 0.1 mm/s. Before material arrives at the exit of extrusion die, banded structures form along the metal flow direction with the increase of deformation and the mean grain size continually decreases due to dynamic recrystallisation (DRX). Grains significantly grow after exiting from the extrusion die.