Microstructure and micro-texture evolution during large strain deformation of Inconel alloy IN718

• Plane strain compression (PSC) on IN718 was conducted.
• Evolution of microstructure during large strain deformation was studied.
• Flow curves exhibited weak softening at higher temperatures and dipping of the flow curve at a strain rate of 1 s− 1.
• Optimization of microstructure and process parameter for hot rolling possible by plane strain compression testing
• Dynamic recrystallisation occurs in specimens deformed at higher temperatures and lower strain rates.

The hot deformation behaviour of Inconel alloy IN718 was studied in the temperature range of 950–1100 °C and at strain rates of 0.01 and 1 s− 1 with a view to understand the microstructural evolution as a function of strain rate and temperature. For this purpose, a single hit, hot isothermal plane strain compression (PSC) technique was used. The flow curves obtained during PSC exhibited weak flow softening at higher temperatures. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis (EBSD) of the PSC tested samples at the location of maximum strain revealed dynamic recrystallisation occurring at higher temperatures. Based on detailed microstructure and microtexture analyses, it was concluded that single step, large strain deformation has a distinct advantage in the thermo-mechanical processing of Inconel alloy IN718.