Effect of α/β Forging on Microstructure and Texture Inhomogeneity in a Ti-1023 Forged Disk

The microstructure and texture distribution of a Ti-1023 forged disk were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction. The finite element method was used to simulate temperature and strain distribution in order to investigate the relationship of the α/β forging process with microstructure and texture distribution. A bimodal microstructure and rolling textures with large inhomogeneity were observed in the disk. A plate-like and a necklace-like morphology and volume fraction variations of the primary α phase were observed in different regions with different forging conditions, such as temperature, deformation, position, and high density of flow lines. Texture sharpness distribution of the β phase was in good agreement with the strain distribution, which suggests deformation may play the most important part in the texture inhomogeneity. A weak cube texture was obtained near the center of the disk, and fiber textures were found near the rim of the disk. The primary α phase also exhibited a transverse texture, which is favored by large deformation.