Deformation, recrystallization and plastic anisotropy of asymmetrically rolled aluminum sheets

Materials processed under various thermo-mechanical conditions exhibit a different plastic anisotropy. Both conventional and asymmetric rolling processes were applied to a 6016 aluminum alloy for automotive application. A sequence of different rolling schedules bears an effect on the recrystallization and plastic behavior of the material through the annealing texture. The effect of strain path change and annealing conditions on the recrystallization texture is investigated and the experimental data are modeled with the help of crystal plasticity models. The plastic anisotropy is analyzed based on experimentally measured Lankford values and calculated limiting drawing ratios. The calculated limiting drawing ratio of ∼2.17 for asymmetrically rolled sheets represents a considerable improvement as compared to the conventionally produced materials with the highest limiting drawing ratio of ∼2.09.