Simulation of superplastic deformation based on a mantle model

Superplastic deformation accompanied by static grain growth is simulated in two dimensions on the basis of a mantle model, where a soft zone called mantle is formed along grain boundaries by grain boundary sliding, and where diffusion along the mantle controls the macroscopic deformation. The simulated microstructural evolution shows the characteristics of active grain boundary sliding and increasing grain aspect ratio with strain. It is noticeable that grain boundary sliding contributes considerably to the superplastic deformation even for highly elongated microstructures.