The Influence of Crystallographic Texture Gradients on the Deformation Response of Aluminum Extrusions

The use of 6xxx series6xxx series aluminumAluminum extrusionsExtrusion inAluminum extrusion alloys automotiveAutomotive applications is increasing due to the requirement to reduceReduce vehicle weight. Extruded profiles can be subjected to severe and complex plastic strain pathsPath during fabrication or during crash loading. During the extrusionExtrusion process, deformation gradients develop due to (i) friction between the tooling and the extrudate, (ii) redundant work, and (iii) splitting of the extrusionExtrusion and weldingWelding in porthole diesPorthole dies when fabricating hollow profiles. The current study examined these effects in materials with high dispersoidDispersoids densities at relatively low extrusionExtrusion temperatures (~400 °C) where recrystallizationRecrystallization was deliberately suppressed. Local texturesTextures were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSDElectron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)) and the local stress–strain response was predicted using the visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) polycrystal plasticity model. The results were used to rationalize (i) the inhomogeneity of through thickness deformation during tensile testing and (ii) the localization of plastic deformation at the weld seam.