Deformation behavior and microstructural evolution during the semi-solid compression of Al-4Cu-Mg alloy

The effects of the process parameters, including deformation temperature and strain rate, on the deformation behavior and microstructure of an Al-4Cu-Mg alloy, have been investigated through isothermal compression. Experiments were conducted at deformation temperatures of 540 degrees C, 560 degrees C, and 580 degrees C, strain rates of 1 s(-1), 1 x 10(-1) s(-1), 1 x 10(-2) s(-1), and 1 x 10(-3) s(-1), and height reductions of 20%, 40%, and 60%. The experimental results show that deformation temperature and strain rate have significant effect on the peak flow stress. The flow stress decreases with an increase of deformation temperature and/or a decrease of the strain rate. Above a critical value of the deformation temperature, the flow stress quickly reaches a steady value. Experimental materials A and B have equiaxed and irregular grains, respectively, prior to deformation. The microstructures vary with the process parameters in the semi-solid state. For material B, the irregular grains transform to equiaxed grains in the process of semi-solid deformation, which improves the deformation behavior. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.