Towards a better understanding of microstructural features on plasticity of 6061-Al alloy: neutron diffraction and scale transition model

The mechanical properties of metals are conditioned by the microstructural features such as the texture, grain size and shape, precipitates coupled with the effects of plastic anisotropy. The coupled effect of these microstructural features on the anisotropy of mechanical properties has not been studied thoroughly in the framework of polycrystal plasticity modelling. The proposal aims at investigating the internal strain being built under mechanical loading conditions. These intergranular strains can be interpreted thanks to polycrystalline models, disclosing the relative contributions of the different microstructural properties on the deformation modes. Collected neutron diffraction patterns will provide the comprehensive data set needed to quantify with accuracy the evolution of plastic anisotropy. This will enable to test and improve a novel model to predict the mechanical response.