Transverse difference of activation slip/twin system in wide AZ31 alloy plate during its rolling

The macroscopic finite element method (FEM) and the crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) were combined to study the transverse difference of activation slip/twin system in wide AZ31 magnesium alloy plates during rolling. The macro-deformation and micro-texture evolution along the transverse direction of the plate during rolling were analyzed experimentally. The microscopic CPFEM was developed on the basis of the thermo-force coupling behavior during plate rolling obtained from macroscopic FEM. The CPFEM parameters were fitted by uniaxial compression experiments. This combination of two scale simulations accurately predicted the texture evolution during the rolling process and had been experimentally validated. Further examination of the deformation mechanism reveals that the transverse spread action of the plate is stronger at the edge region compared to center, and this transverse spread action has a more significant impact on the activation of the {10 1‾ 2} tension twin. The comparison of the activation and extension of pyramidal slip in granular and plate-like grains reveals that plate-like grains are more prone to generate slip bands through the grain, leading to cracking of the grain along the slip activation band and further formation of sub-grains.