Deformation Zone Geometry and Texture Gradients in Cold-Rolled Niobium

Abstract

Several niobium plates were cold-rolled at room temperature to a total reduction of 60% maintaining the geometry of the zone of deformation constant for each plate. Pole figures were obtained by means of the Schulz x-ray reflection technique from various depths in the thickness direction for plates rolled with different ∆, the ratio of the mean height of the deformation zone to its contact length. Severe texture gradients were noted and characterized for Δ>1; a modified texture different from the normal texture was observed at intermediate through-the-thickness locations. Both lateral widening and microhardness gradients were also in evidence for this case. No previously proposed theoretical explanation could account for these results.