New developments in geometric dynamic recrystallization

The concept of geometric dynamic recrystallization (GDX) originated in 1980s with work on elevated-temperature deformation aluminum to large strains. In this case, substantial grain refinement occurs through a process of grain elongation and thinning leading to a dramatic increase in grain boundary area. The grain boundaries become serrated as a result of subgrain (low angle) boundary formation. Pinching off and annihilation of high-angle grain boundaries occurs as the original grains thin to about twice the subgrain diameter to and a “steady-state” structure. This concept has since been carefully verified in pure Al, as well as Al-Mg alloys deforming in the three-power regime. Large strain deformation of Al single crystals is also consistent with the concept. Also, data in the literature on large strain deformation of a bcc iron alloy are consistent with GDX. Recent experiments on α-zirconium show that GDX applies to this hcp metal. Thus, it appears that GDX is a general phenomenon that can lead to grain refinement in the absence of any discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DRX) or continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDX). A discussion of continuous dynamic recrystallization and geometric necessary boundaries in relation to GDX will also be discussed. This may be particularly relevant to severe plastic deformation such as rolling and equal-channel angular pressing where dramatic increases in the number of high-angle boundaries are observed.