A numerical approach on the inclusion effects in ultrafine gold wire drawing process

This study examined the effects of inclusions on the gold wire drawing stress using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Al2O3 and SUS304 are used as the model inclusion materials, which are frequently found on the fracture surfaces of drawn wire. The wire drawing stress showed a strong correlation with the size and yield stress of the inclusions. In the case of Al2O3, a larger diameter induced more drawing stress in the wire, whereas in case of SUS304, a larger diameter induced less drawing stress in wire. The difference was estimated quantitatively by comparing the amount of equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ) in the wire, which is the result of an interaction between the wire and inclusion. This result shows that the reason of difference in drawing stress variation is due to the yield stress of the inclusion.