Electric current-induced phenomena in metallic materials

The application of electric current on metallic materials alters the microstructures and mechanical properties of materials. The improved formability and accelerated microstructural evolution in material via the application of electric current is referred to as electric current-induced phenomena. This review includes extensive experimental and computational studies on the deformation behavior and microstructural evolutions of metallic materials, underlying mechanisms, and practical applications in industry. We precisely introduce various electric current-induced effects by considering different materials and electric conditions. The discussion covers the mechanisms underlying these effects, emphasizing both thermal and athermal effects of electric current, supported by experimental evidence, physical principles, atomic-scale simulations, and numerical methods. Furthermore, we explore the applications of electric current-induced phenomena in material processing techniques including electrically-assisted forming, treatment, joining, and machining. This review aims to deepen the understanding of how electric currents affect metallic materials and inspire further development of advanced fabrication and processing technologies in time- and energy-efficient ways.