A crystal plasticity finite element analysis of texture evolution in equal channel angular extrusion

This study demonstrates the capability of the crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) approach in texture predictions during equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE). A CPFE model was applied to simulate the texture evolution in one-pass ECAE of pure aluminum and copper. Boundary conditions corresponding to simple shear at the interaction plane of the die were imposed to the sample to approximate the deformation during its passage through the die channel. The performance of this approach is evaluated through quantitative comparison of the simulated textures with measurements by neutron diffraction and predictions from a visco-plasticity self-consistent model. The predicted local variation of deformation as a result of grain interactions is discussed in relation to the simulated textures.