Deformation mechanics and microstructure evolution during indirect extrusion in (sub) mm-scale samples

Mechanics of deformation in miniaturized indirect extrusion (IE) and their resulting process outcomes are shown to be dependent on the dimensional scale of the plastic deformation zone. Using optically transparent dies as prototypes, the effect of process length-scales on the strain, strain-rate, and rotation fields is elucidated using digital image correlation. In this regard, in situ experiments were performed on commercially pure Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al 1100) as prototypical nonwork/work hardening materials. By overlaying these measurements with microstructural characterization via electron backscattered diffraction, the effect of deformation volume on process-structure mappings is identified. Herein, visco-plastic self-consistent framework-based modeling of the evolution of crystallographic textures was investigated to achieve insights into the trajectories of microstructure evolution and process outcomes during IE. These findings provide a beneficial background about characteristics of plastic deformation zone and its distribution to optimize and control the properties of miniaturized components.