Heterogeneity of strain path, texture and microstructure evolution of AA6063-T6 processed by Equal Channel Angular Sheet Extrusion (ECASE)

Abstract

An Aluminum alloy 6063T6 was processed at room temperature by Equal Channel Angular Sheet Extrusion (ECASE). Microstructure evolution was investigated by Electron Back Scattering Diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction analysis. The texture evolution was heterogeneous and represented by a mix of rolling and shearing components through the sheet thickness. Ncorr™ calculations showed higher shear strains close to the edges than in the sheet core, in agreement with the through thickness expected variation. The Geometrically Necessary Dislocation (GND) calculations corroborated the existence of a heterogeneous microstructure through the sheet thickness.