Multi-Scale Simulation of Recrystallization during Rolling of Large 2219 Aluminum Alloy Rings

Abstract

2219 aluminum–copper alloy is a major material in launch vehicles transition rings. The study of dynamic recrystallization during its rolling and forming process is beneficial to improving the performance enhancement of 2219 aluminum alloy ring parts. In this paper, a multi-scale simulation of grain refinement and distribution of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains during the rolling of 2219 aluminum alloy rings is carried out using the finite element method and cellular automata method. On the basis of the JMK DRX model, an ABAQUS subroutine was written to simulate the ring-rolling of 2219 aluminum alloy, and the distribution of DRX percentage and average grain size was analysed from a macroscopic point of view, with a maximum DRX level of 12% and an average grain size distribution from 247 μm to 235 μm from the inside of the aluminum alloy ring towards the surface. A cellular automaton model of DRX during rolling of large aluminum alloys was developed to effectively simulate DRX nucleation, growth, and grain compression deformation during rolling. The DRX nucleation occurs at the grain boundaries and then grows, resulting in a homogeneous organisation and a refinement of grain size, with both the original and DRX grains being compressively deformed as the rolling process progresses and the grains being gradually elongated tangentially. Finally, a comparison of the experimental results with the simulations to obtain grain size and morphology demonstrates consistent results, indicating that the combination of FE and CA methods is an effective approach for a more comprehensive understanding of the microstructural evolution during rolling.