Development of processing maps for 6061 Al/15% SiCp composite material

The hot working characteristics of 6061 Al/15%SiCp produced by stir casting are studied using processing maps. The maps, based on the dynamic materials model, were generated from the flow stress data obtained through hot compression tests conducted at strain rates and temperatures ranging from 0.0857 to 2.7 s−1 and 300 to 500 °C, respectively. From the experimental data the strain rate sensitivity (m), power dissipation efficiency (η) and instability parameter (ξ(ε̇)) were computed and are plotted in the temperature-strain rate plane to obtain power dissipation and instability maps. The domains of dynamic recrystallization and wedge cracking are observed in the processing maps. Shear band formation and particle fracture were noticed at higher strain rates and lower temperature, thereby defining the flow instability domain.