Oxide distribution and microstructure in welding zones from porthole die extrusion

The oxide distribution and microstructure in longitudinal and transverse welding zones during the billet-to-billet extrusion process through porthole die were adequately investigated by means of finite element method, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The results indicate that the oxides exist at the interface between the matrix and transverse welding zone rather than longitudinal welding seam. The longitudinal welding zone reveals a darker band including the largest grain with irregular shape due to the abnormal grain growth under the heavy shear deformation and high temperature. The transverse welding zone consists of equiaxed recrystallized grains which are a little finer than those in the longitudinal welding seam.