Simulation Studies and Evolution of Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Subjected to RCS

Abstract

AA6061 alloy was selected as starting material, as this alloy play vital role in aerospace, automotive and naval applications. To enhance mechanical properties and study the structural correlation of AA6061 using one of the promising SPD (Severe Plastic Deformation) technique. In RCS (Repetitive Corrugation and Straightening), repetitive bending and shearing stresses act alternatively on the specimen. The die models and work piece were designed using Creo parametric 2.0 and imported to AFDEX-2014 (Adviser metal Forming Design Expert) for simulation studies. AA6061 was subjected to four passes (8 stages) of RCS. Effective strain observed in AA6061 alloy was 2.389 and strain rate increased during corrugation and less during straightening stages. The theoretical effective strain was 2.65.The experimental effective strain was validated and found to be nearly approximately 92% of the theoretical result. Further, mechanical properties like tensile strength and microhardness increased to 1.5 to 2 times in AA6061 alloy after eight passes of RCS. Keywords: AA6061, RCS, SPD, Microhardness, Tensile strength