Researches on a Composite Extrusion Approach Based on FEM Method and Experiments

This paper deals with a finite element model (FEM) for the extrusion of AZ31 alloy and extrusion experiments at different temperatures. The simulation is utilized to predict the extrusion force and strain at different temperatures. ES (extrusion-shear) process and direct extrusion are investigated at 370, 400 and 420°C to discuss the effects of different temperatures on the microstructures and mechanical properties with the extrusion ratio of 11.56. The simulation results obtained show that the extrusion force of ES process is much larger than direct extrusion because of the two corners. ES process could effectively refine the grains, especially the microstructure of the central region compared with direct extrusion. The bar extruded at 370°C shows the best microstructures and mechanical properties.