Texture evolution during deformation of an Al-6 % Cu-0,4 % Zr superplastic alloy

Evolution of the grain structure and microstructure was studied at 480 degrees C/5(.)10(-4) s(-1) on an Al-6 % Cu-0,4 % Zr superplastic alloy. The as-received material showed a fine deformed substructure. A texture gradient was present through the thickness of the rolled sheet. At the surface, the texture found was close to the orientation 131 1)< 233 > whereas in the midplane of the sheet it was 1631)< 113 >. The tensile test curve presented three deformation stages called, stage 1, 11 and III. The global texture in stage I increased slightly. In stage 11, the intensity of the orientation 1311)< 233 > decreased, suggesting that a grain boundary sliding process should take place near the surface. However, in the center of the sheet it is approached that the 163 I)< 113 > component changes along the P-fiber inducing a clustering around the {110}< 112 > (B) and//or 1110)< 111 > orientations by slip process. In the stage III the intensity of orientations decreases.