Texture evolution during deformation of an Al-6 % Cu-0,4 % Zr superplastic alloy

Abstract

Evolution of the grain structure and microstructure was studied at 480 °C/5-10^-4s^-1 on an Al-6 % Cu-0,4 % Zr superplastic alloy. The as-received material showed a fine deformed substructure. A texture gradient was present through the thickness of the rolled sheet. At the surface, the texture found was close to the orientation {311}<233> whereas in the midplane of the sheet it was {631}<113>. The (σ)-(ε) tensile test curve presented three deformation stages called, stage I, II and III. The global texture in stage I increased slightly. In stage II, the intensity of the orientation {311}<233> decreased, suggesting that a grain boundary sliding process should take place near the surface. However, in the center of the sheet it is approached that the {631}<113> component changes along the β-fiber inducing a clustering around the {110}<112> (Β) and/or {110}<111> (Ρ) orientations by slip process. In the stage III the intensity of orientations decreases