Evolution of texture in a magnesium alloy processed by ECAP through dies with different angles

A fine-grained magnesium ZK60 alloy was used to study texture evolution during processing by equal-channel angular pressing. Experiments were conducted by pressing the alloy through dies having angles of 90 degrees, 110 degrees and 135 degrees and the textures were predicted using a visco-plastic self-consistent model. It is shown that the development of texture depends upon the channel angle within the die. Calculations indicate that, after basal < a > slip, there is significant prismatic < a > slip and pyramidal < a > slip activity during ECAP in all cases. This is a unique result attributed to the fine grain size and severe plastic deformation. The simulations also reveal evidence of geometrical softening in the first stage of deformation when using dies having channel angles of 90 degrees and 110 degrees. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.