Observation and modeling of the through-thickness texture gradient in commercial-purity aluminum sheets processed by accumulative roll-bonding

The texture evolution in commercial-purity aluminum (AA 1070) processed by accumulative roll-bonding (ARB) is investigated with the aid of X-ray diffraction and crystal plasticity modeling. The experimental results indicate strong texture gradients through the sheet thickness, from rolling-type textures with orthorhombic symmetry at the center to shear-type textures with monoclinic symmetry near the surface. The experimental textures are reproduced well by polycrystal plasticity modeling carried out with deformation histories from finite element simulations. The observations of a relatively strong {4 4 11} < 11 11 8 > component at the center and a {0 0 1} < 1 1 0 > component at the surface are attributed to their higher orientation stability than the other rolling- and shear-type orientations. Examination of the average through-thickness textures suggests that the ARB technique may not be an effective means to develop apparent {1 1 1} <mu nu w > components and thus to enhance the normal anisotropy of plasticity of the bulk sheet materials. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.