Prediction and control of subgrain size in the hot extrusion of aluminum alloys.

It is widely recognized that subgrain size has significant influence on the strength and ductility of metals. Modelling of subgrain size evolution is essential for the detailed understanding and control of mechanical properties. In the present paper, the evolutions of subgrain size during hot extrusion of various aluminum alloys are first predicted. A nearly constant distribution of subgrain size is pursued by iso-subgrain extrusion processes. Substructural strengthening coupled with microstructural evolution is also studied in addition to the normal thermal-mechanical coupled analysis. © 2004 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]