Experimental and numerical analyses of 45 steel during three dimensional severe plastic deformation (3D-SPD)

Due to the limitation of huge forming load, inhomogeneity of plastic deformation, and small volume of deformation region, it is difficult to prepare bulk ultra-fine grains material (UFGM) with industry size by the existing severe plastic deformation (SPD) methods. In this study, a novel SPD method, namely 3D-SPD, was proposed. By establishing finite element model, the distribution of material flow, restraining to Mannesmann effect, and comparison of load were discussed. Based on the self-developed rolling mill, the corresponding experiments were conducted. The experimental results reveal that the buck ultra-fine grains material of 45 steel was obtained under the condition of feed angle 21°, cross angle 15°, cone angle 5°, reduction rate 50%, and roll speed 30 rpm. The average grain size was refined from 46 to 0.8–4 μm. The tensile test results indicate that the yield strength and tensile strength of the rolled bar were significantly improved.