Formation of internal structure in the rolling of a bcc (110)[001] single crystal

The stages of structure formation during cold rolling are investigated in bcc (110)[001] single crystals of Fe–3% Si alloy, within the deformation zone. To obtain a visible deformation zone, the laboratory mill is abruptly stopped at the instant of sample rolling. To reduce the frictional coefficient, lubricant is used for some of the samples. The deformational structure is studied by metallography and orientational electron microscopy (EBSD). Deform-3D software is used to analyze the relation between the experimental data and the calculated stress state in rolling, for various values of the frictional coefficient. Depending on the frictional coefficient, the stress state may significantly affect the mesostructure formation and the texture development. In a single crystal rolled with elevated friction, when the deformation is relatively small, deformation bands are formed. Orientational analysis of the contact point of deformation bands reveals alternating microbands, each with slight different orientation, which are separated by small-angle boundaries. In the rolling of a (110)[001] single crystal with lubrication (reduced friction), twinning is observed even with slight deformation. The twinning is evidently due to the reduced contribution of surface energy to the total energy of twin nucleation. Throughout the whole deformation process, either the twins of both systems retain the strict Σ3 crystallographic relation with the matrix or else, on account of the local lattice reorientation, Σ3 disorientations are converted to similar special Σ17b and Σ43c disorientations. On the basis of experimental data, a dislocation model is proposed for the formation of deformational mesostructures in the cold rolling of a (110)[001] single crystal. This model includes the formation of microbands in the initial stage of deformationband generation; the formation of transition bands parallel to the rolling plane with the dynamic retention of the initial orientation; and the formation of transition bands inclined to the rolling plane with a habitus parallel to the {112} matrix plane. These inclined planes are equivalent to shear bands whose habitus is inclined at ~17° to the rolling plane.