OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this investigation was to study the application of Equi Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) as an additional procedure in order to improve the fatigue
properties of aluminium alloys.

INTRODUCTION:
Vladimir Segal invented Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) in the former Soviet Union (USSR) in 1977. It is an exciting method for inducing large
plastic deformation to materials without changing the size or general shape or dimensions of the billet. A die is formed two channels of equal cross-section,

intersecting to form a sharp corner. Deformation occurs at the die corner as the
billet is pressed is called ECAP and if the specimen is drawn then the process will be ECAD (Equal Channel Angular Drawing). The ECAP is better known than the

ECAD. Effective strain per pass is dependent on the angle of intersection of the die
channels and to a lesser extent on the fillet radius at the die corner. ECAP has been used for uniform plastic deformation, increase material strength, and produce

ultrafine equi axed grains (UFG), complex microstructures and for powder
consolidation/compaction.

PROCEDURE
The conventional L-shaped die consists of two channels equal in crosssectional and intersecting at an angle near the centre of the die. The material is made

to enter one of the channels and exit through other channel without any change in
cross-sectional area, while being subjected to simple shear. Since there is no change in cross-sectional area, the sample can be repeatedly pressed to obtain a large

cumulative strain.
ECAP is also called ECAE- Equal Channel Angular Extrusion .

Schematic Diagram of Equi Channel Angular Pressing Process

ECAP DIE
DIE with angle 120o is used for the process of ECAP.

Figure shows the schematic view of ECAP die.

Process Flow Chart:

Al, Mg alloy Material

Pure Al Material

Die Casting Process

Metallographic analysis

ECAP Process
Metallographic analysis Testing Mechanical Properties

Casting : Casting is the fastest way to attain simple or complex shapes for the part from its raw material. The casting process basically used accomplished pouring a liquid material in to mould cavity of the shape of the desired part and allowing it to cool.

Figures showing the schematic view of casting die.

Parameters that have been used in the course of carrying out experiments include the following
Temperature ranging from -2000C to 13300C depending on the test material. Corners of 90o and 1200 are common. 600 and 1350 are also been reported. Different

corners provide varied amount of strains.

Multiple extrusion or passes.
Change in the orientation of the billet between successive Press. This is also known

as different routes A, B, C, D or A, BA, C and BC respectively. These designations have been accepted universally as description of the routes.
Dies of circular or square cross-sections (2mm to 150mm square/circular s-sections)

have been used.

DEFINITION OF VARIOUS ROUTES USED IN ECAP:

Routes here mean the directions followed by the billet or test sample. ROUTE A: 00, all passes; the billet is not rotated between successive passes. ROUTE B or BA: 900, N even, 2700 N odd; the billet is rotated 90o clockwise and

counterclockwise alternatively.
ROUTE C: 1800 all passes; the billet is rotated 1800. ROUTE D or BC: 900 all passes, the billet is rotated 900 clockwise.

Schematic representation for the routes as diagrammatically presented by Stolyarvor et al., 2005 is shown in figure below,

Advantages and Uses:

Advantages and uses of ECAP include:
Impartation of tremendous increase in material strength
Production of ultrafine-equi axed grained (UFG) materials has been achieved e.g.

grain size less than 1m.

Unusual properties appear such as high tensile strength, ductility and the possibility

to get super plasticity at low temperatures.

Ability to control crystallographic and mechanical texture during multi-pass ECAP

by judicious rotation of the work piece between passes.

Uniform and unidirectional deformations can be produced under relatively low

pressure and load for massive products.

Formation of complex microstructures: equi-axed, laminar and fibrous textures. Increase in hardness

Achievement of powder consolidation, compaction.

Short comings
Buckling instability of the extruding ram.

The cross-section of the billet becomes smaller with the number of passes.
Surface defects such as cracks, pores are also common.

Al-mg alloy :
Component Al Mg Si Wt.% 92.4-95.6 4-4.9 Max 0.4

Cr
Mn Ti

0.05-0.25
0.4-1 Max 0.15

Cu
Zn Fe

Max 0.1
Max 0.25 0.4

Other total

Max 0.15

5083 Aluminium alloy :

5083 aluminium alloy is an aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of

manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals.
Alloy 5083 retains exceptional strength after welding. It has the highest strength of

the non- heat treatable alloys, but is not recommended for use in temperatures in excess of 65C.

Applications
Alloy 5083 is commonly used in
Shipbuilding. Railroad cars. Coach work. Pressure vessels.

References
[1] V. M. Segal, Engineering and Commercialization of Equal Channel Angular Extrusion, Mater. Sci. Eng., A386, 269-276 (2004) [2] R. Z. Valiev, R. K. Islamgaliev, and I.V. Alexandrov, Bulk Nanostructured Materials from Severe Plastic Deformation, Prog. Mater. Sci. 45, 103-189 (2000) [3] M. Kamachi , M. Furukawa , M.Nemoto, and T. G. Langdon, Development of Fine Grained Structures Using Sever Plastic Deformation, Mater. Sci. Technol 16, 1239-1245(2000).

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