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Process optimization and microstructural development during superplastic-like forming of AA5083

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Abstract

An advanced sheet forming process was utilized by combining hot drawing and blow forming to establish a fast forming technology. As a continuation of the development in superplastic-like forming, this study dealt with the process optimization and evaluation of post-forming properties. Aluminum alloy 5083 (AA5083) parts with near-net shape were successfully fabricated at 400 °C. Thickness uniformity has been improved by optimizing the mechanical preforming (hot drawing) and adopting a strain-rate-control gas forming (blow forming). Fairly uniform microstructure can be achieved with this forming process. To investigate the microstructural information, the annealed and hot deformed samples were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction technique. Fine grains with high-angle grain boundaries occurred near the elongated grains during hot drawing stage as a result of dynamic recrystallization. Subgrain structure was also examined by characterizing the distribution of grain boundary misorientation angles. Grain growth and subgrain boundary migration were two main microstructural features observed during the gas forming stage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore

    Jun Liu & Ming-Jen Tan

  2. Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Singapore, 638075, Singapore

    Chao-Voon S. Lim & Beng-Wah Chua

Authors
  1. Jun Liu
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  2. Ming-Jen Tan
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  3. Chao-Voon S. Lim
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  4. Beng-Wah Chua
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Correspondence to Ming-Jen Tan.

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Liu, J., Tan, MJ., Lim, CV.S. et al. Process optimization and microstructural development during superplastic-like forming of AA5083. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 69, 2415–2422 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-013-5208-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-013-5208-2

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