Modeling texture evolution during ECAP of copper single crystal by crystal plasticity FEM

In this study a crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) has been developed to investigate texture evolution of copper single crystal during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). It has been found that friction condition between the billet and the die wall has an obvious influence on the inhomogeneous texture of an ECAPed copper single crystal. Comparing to the experimental observation, the coefficient of friction of μ = 0.05 exhibits a better texture prediction than μ = 0.1. The crystallographic orientation rotates in three dimensions during ECAP and the dominant rotation direction is around the Z-axis. After ECAP the copper single crystal has been split into matrix bands which are connected by transition bands through the billet thickness. The Z-axis rotation angle remains similar in each matrix band and varies significantly in the transition bands. The corresponding Z-axis rotation angles are approximately 60°, 0° and 90°, respectively, in three matrix bands from the top surface to the bottom surface of the billet.

► We have developed a crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) to investigate texture evolution of copper single crystal during ECAP. ► The predicted texture agrees well with the experimental observations. ► Friction condition has a significant influence on the inhomogeneous texture evolution in the ECAPed billet.