Microstructure evolution in the equal channel angular extrusion process

Abstract

We apply a theory of single-crystal plasticity with microstructure to the simulation of the ECAE process. The specific microstructures considered in the simulations are of the sequential lamination type. The size of the microstructure is estimated a posteriori by means of a nonlocal extension of the theory which accounts for dislocation energies. Texture evolution is calculated simply by recourse to Taylor’s hypothesis. Calculations concerned with an FCC material (Al–Cu alloy) and 90° ECAE reveal a wealth of information regarding the geometry, size, and texture evolution of subgrain microstructures. The predicted sizes and textures are in good quantitative agreement with the available experimental data.