Axi-symmetric forward spiral extrusion, a kinematic and experimental study

A modified axi-symmetric forward spiral extrusion process has been proposed here to allow for a near zero area reduction process. The axi-symmetric forward spiral extrusion, AFSE, can be carried out through a die with a number of engraved spiral grooves. This paper investigates the kinematics of the AFSE process. A velocity field is derived using principle of mass conservation along the extrusion axis. The proposed model has been developed to calculate strain components in the deformation zone during the process. An experimental method has been designed which uses composite lead samples with embedded copper wires to trace the strain path to verify the proposed velocity field. A good agreement between experimental results and the proposed analytical model was observed. The proposed velocity field, verified by experimental results, shows that the deformation develops away from the AFSE die–sample interface. A linear gradient of velocity in the radial direction was observed which is in good agreement with the proposed velocity field. Based on the estimated strains, velocity gradient, and nearly no change in sample cross section during AFSE, the process seems to have good potential for application as a new severe plastic deformation process in both continuous and batch modes.