Severe plastic deformation by incremental angular splitting

A new way of generating large plastic strain in a billet by splitting it plastically by a reciprocating punch is investigated. The concept of incremental angular splitting (I-AS) is explained by referring to the severe plastic deformation process of incremental equal channel angular pressing (I-ECAP). Results of laboratory trials of I-ECAP and I-AS, using a purposely designed AA1070 billet, are presented and both processes are compared. Further comparison is based on Vickers hardness distribution in the billet subjected to I-ECAP and I-AS. FE simulation results give an indication of strain distribution in both processes. The main advantages of I-AS appear to be more flexibility in the billet choice and more uniform strain distribution in the first pass of the process. A possibility of creating a gradient material by I-AS with a flat punch is considered.