Abstract

ECAP is an efficient processing technique to produce materials with enhanced mechanical properties without any dimensional change. The current work deals with ECAP as a promising processing technology. This paper describes ECAP in terms of die design and manufacturing, processing procedure and handicaps. Finite element analysis using Abaqus CAE 14 program was utilized to reach the optimum safe ECAP die design. In addition, three ECAP passes were implemented on a commercially pure 1100 aluminum alloy, the effect of ECAP on the tensile properties were also demonstrated. Results show that Abaqus program is an excellent tool to optimize the ECAP die design and to attain a low cost and safe design. There are many handicaps arise during ECAP processing that should be taken in considerations in the future work, such as: die fixation system and lubrication procedure. Tensile testing results show that yield and ultimate strength, elongation, strength-ductility balance of 1100 Al alloy increase as the number of ECAP passes increase.

Keywords: ECAP; Die design and manufacturing; Abaqus analysis; Al-processing; ECAP processing handicaps; Tensile properties