Effects of die geometry on non-equal channel lateral extrusion (NECLE) of AZ80 magnesium alloy

Non-equal channel lateral extrusion (NECLE) is a new process that can be used to attain higher grain refinement in comparison with equal channel lateral extrusion (ECLE). The die design for this process was numerically and experimentally studied. After finding a good correlation between the numerical and experimental results, more comprehensive FE analyses were carried out. Different die geometrical parameters were considered and their effects on the induced plastic strain, stress distribution, velocity field and forming load of the process were investigated. It was found that by this process with a suitable set of die geometrical parameters, higher induced effective strain and more homogeneous strain distribution could be achieved in comparison with ECLE operation.