Modeling Static Recrystallization in Al-Mg Alloys

In the present work, the influence of Mg on recrystallization kinetics in Al is analyzed by computer simulation. A comprehensive state parameter-based microstructure model is developed, which describes recrystallization in terms of nucleation and growth. The mechanism of solute drag is fully incorporated, thus accounting for the decrease of grain boundary mobility in the presence of impurity atoms. On the basis of the present approach, the solute binding energy between Mg atoms and grain boundaries is assessed and compared to experimentally measured values. Furthermore, the influence of Mg on dislocation production during strain hardening is modeled. The simulations of the composition and temperature-dependent recrystallization kinetics are verified on experimental studies where excellent agreement is achieved. Both simulation and experiment show that increasing Mg content first decelerates and, later on, accelerates recrystallization kinetics.