Title: Numerical simulation, formation of microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocopper prepared by severe plastic deformation

Authors: Michal Besterci, Katarina Sulleiova, Tibor Kvackaj, Robert Kocisko

Addresses: Institute of Materials Research of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Kosice, Slovak Republic. ' Institute of Materials Research of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Kosice, Slovak Republic. ' Faculty of Metallurgy, Department of Metals Forming, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 042 00 Kosice, Slovak Republic. ' Faculty of Metallurgy, Department of Metals Forming, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 042 00 Kosice, Slovak Republic

Abstract: The development of the nanostructure in commercial pure copper, the strength and ductility as well as fracture micromechanisms after severe plastic deformation (SPD) with the technology of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) are analysed. Experimental results and analyses showed that both strength and ductility can be increased simultaneously by SPD. The final grain size decreased from the initial 50 μm by SPD to 100-300 nm after ten passes. An increase of the ductility together with an increase of strength caused by SPD is explained by a strong grain refinement and by a dynamic equilibrium of weakening and strengthening and it is visible on the final static tensile test stress-strain charts. The fracture micromechanism is influenced by the number of ECAP passes. Transcrystalline ductile fracture took place in the range from one to 14 passes, whereas mixed fracture (transcrystalline ductile fracture with intercrystalline facets) occurred after 15 and 16 ECAP passes. Probable reasons of different fracture mechanisms are explained. Mathematical simulations of the ECAP were realised in software product DEFORM based on the finite element method (FEM).

Keywords: UFG copper; severe plastic deformation; SPD; equal channel angular pressing; ECAP; mathematical simulation; fracture micromechanisms; microstructure; nanocopper; nanomaterials; nanotechnology; finite element method; FEM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2011.037205

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2011 Vol.40 No.1/2, pp.36 - 57

Published online: 28 Feb 2015 *

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