Finite element analysis and optimization of equal channel angular pressing for producing ultra-fine grained materials

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) has the capability to process sub-structured or nano-structured bulk ultra-fine grained (UFG) materials. ECAP is largely influenced by process routes and process parameters changed which includes die geometries, friction conditions and so on. Those factors have effected homogeneous distribution of accumulated effective strain in the workpiece largely. In this paper, the distribution rules of accumulated effective strain in the main deformation zone of workpiece during ECAP with different die channel angles and corner angles are presented by a great deal simulations. Optimal processing route, uniformity of deformation distribution and load stroke curves of ECAP is observed with optimize processing parameters by node mapping method. The obtained count results and rules can offer valuable guidelines for ECAP die geometries optimization and uniformity effective strain distribution in the workpiece. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.