Microhardness distribution and finite element method analysis of Al 5452 alloy processed by unconstrained high pressure torsion

High pressure torsion (HPT) is one of the successful and efficient methods of severe plastic deformation (SPD). In this research, disk-shaped specimens of aluminum alloy were exposed to high pressure and torsion, which are the key factors of HPT. Simultaneously applying high pressure and torsion causes shear strain and thus enhancement of mechanical properties such as microhardness. In order to understanding the behavior of local deformation on disks after HPT, the process has been simulated by using finite element analysis method in ABAQUS/Explicit software. Results of simulation showed that by increasing applied pressure and number of turns, more effective strain would be applied to the disks. By comparing results of experiment and simulation, it was concluded that there is a region in the middle of the disk that has higher microhardness value in comparison to other regions, which is caused by more strain that was applied to it. Also, dimensions and equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ) obtained in experiments and simulations are compared. It was observed that expected dimensions and PEEQ of simulations are in good agreement with experimental results.