Simulation of semi-solid thixoforging using a micro-macro constitutive equation

The constitutive equation of the isothermal steady-state behaviour of semi-solid materials is described with a micro-macro modelling. It is based on the application of the micromechanics concept of “coated inclusion” to semi-solid behaviour and the introduction of an evolving bimodal distribution of the liquid and solid phases. The micro-macro modelling is implemented in the FE code Forge2. The influence of the normal and abnormal namely softening stress-strain rate relationship on thixoforging is analyzed using compression and extrusion tests simulations.