3D finite element analysis on strain uniformity during ECAP process

Abstract

The uniformity of plastic strain distribution In a workpiece after equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was studied using finite element software ABAQUS in 3D. Processing parameters including the channel intersection angle Φ, channel outer curvature Ψ, pressing speed, friction and processing route were varied to study their effects on strain homogeneity. It was found that a single ECAP pass was unable to produce homogenous strains in a workpiece although strain distribution can be improved by selecting the appropriate processing parameters. Multiple ECAP passes improved strain homogeneity significantly. © 2007 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.