Rheological model for deformation of AK7 alloy

Abstract

Flow curves describing the rheological properties of the AK7 alloy within a temperature range of 375–425 °C and a strain rate range of 0.01–50 s⁻¹ were established using a Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator. The data were used to simulate the alloy hot rolling process using a computer. For the as-cast state, the model predicted crack formation at a total reduction of 35%. However, for the annealed state, deformation without cracking was predicted at a total reduction of up to 50%. The results of the computer simulation were subsequently validated by physical experimentation. The acquired data were applied during the industrial trial rolling of a rim profile for one standard wheel size made from AK7 alloy. The properties of all 20 wheel disks met the relevant technical standards specifications after rolling.