Link the local texture and intermetallics with damage formation in Al 6xxx alloys during bending

Tramp elements such as Fe contained in recycled Al form detrimental intermetallics in Al 6xxx alloys and degrade their cold formability as they induce damage formation and growth. When these alloys are manufactured to plate-like geometry, the plane-strain condition (stress along one of the principal axes is zero) is applicable and bending is one of the typical deformation processes, which are susceptible to damage induced by the intermetallics and influenced by local texture. In this proposal, we aim to investigate the link between initial local texture, overall microstructure (grain structure and intermetallics distribution) and subsequent damage formation in Al 6xxx alloys during bending. DCT and s3DXRD will be used to characterize the grain structure and follow local strain and plastic fields during early bending stage. Fine details of intermetallics and damage pores and cracks will be characterized by nano holo tomography and link to grain mapping results.