Transformation of Lamellar Structures in Equal Channel Angular Pressing: Geometric Model and Application to Nickel Aluminum Bronze

Nickel aluminum bronze (NAB) with a duplex structure was subjected to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). Samples were pressed for up to four passes at 673 K (400 °C) using routes A, B_A, B_C, and C, respectively, and the evolution of the microstructures was characterized. A detailed geometric model was developed to enable systematic and quantitative analysis of the transformation of the lamellar structure during ECAP. Depending on their orientations before each ECAP pass, the lamellae were either stretched, leading to fragmentation, or compressed, resulting in buckling and spheroidisation at locations of high curvature. Thanks to the continuous rotation of lamellae into the stretching orientations in route A and the non-plane strain deformation in the two B routes, they are demonstrated to be the most effective in breaking down the lamellar structure. In contrast, partial restoration due to redundant strain in route C makes it least efficient. The model applies generally to materials with a duplex structure, such as NAB and low and medium carbon steels, consisting of a hard and brittle lamellar phase and a softer and ductile matrix phase.