Formation of a random texture and ultrafin grains in AA 3003 aluminium alloy during the repeated shear deformation introduced by continuous confined strip shearing

To investigate the microstructural development and corresponding texture evolution during repeated shear deformation, specimens of AA 3003 Aluminium alloy were deformed by continuous confined strip shearing based on equal channel angular pressing. Strip specimens were deformed by the shear forming process during up to eight passes, equivalent to effective strains of ∼4·8. Texture evolution in the AA 3003 strips during the shear deforming process was studied by comparing the experimentally measured textures with simulated ones. Electron backscattered diffraction was employed to investigate detailed changes in microtextures and microstructures during repeated shear deformation. Softening associated with deformation is believed to be responsible for the formation of ultrafine grains and the random texture resulting from repeated shear deformation.