3D FEM simulation on Deformation and Strain analysis for grain refinement of Mg Alloy passed through ECAP

Abstract

Abstract Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) is a cutting-edge Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) process for grain refining of materials up to ultra-fine or nanostructured standards, resulting in superior mechanical properties. To consider the effect of each processing parameter on the end results, computer simulation is one of the better alternatives to real ECAP deformation. The alloys used in this study are AZ61 magnesium alloy, which is a difficult material to work with in automotive applications. The ECAP process is subjected to 3D FEM simulation using ANSYS software in order to better understand the process/die design parameters. 90° channel angles and corner angles 20° i.e the best combination suggested by experimental studies were used in the simulation. For a single ECAP pass, the ECAP phase was simulated. Extrusion load, established stresses, effective strain, and temperature variation on the processed material were all noted in the results. The minimum channel angle produces the highest temperature profile on the material, developing maximum stress and strain at the deformation zone, according to the observed results. Furthermore, the results obtained using such computational techniques show that the shear strain decreases as the channel and corner angle increase.