Through thickness texture gradients in rolled polycrystalline alloys

A simple and accurate approach to modeling deformation processes that are highly constrained by boundary conditions is presented. The method involves a detailed finite element analysis of the most controlling aspects of the process. Additional analysis of the material states of texture and anisotropy are calculated as deemed necessary. The method is applied to the rolling process with a detailed analysis of the rolling of aluminium sheet. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the roll gap geometry and the transfer of tractions from the roll to the workpiece. The calculated deformation state is then applied to a more detailed calculation of material texture, which tracks the motion of individual crystalites due to macroscopic boundary conditions. The method allows not only a detailed analysis of through thickness texture gradients, but also a detailed description of the boundary conditions and deformation states that cause such textures. The macroscopic anisotropy resulting from such textures is investigated and the use of the method as a process design tool is discussed. Finally, results are compared to experimentally determined through thickness texture gradients in rolled aluminium alloys and details concerning the general roll gap deformation field are discussed.