Plastic flow of metals under cyclic change of deformation path conditions

Abstract Reverse dislocation slip in metal, forced by cyclic change of deformation path (loading scheme), causes localized plastic flow with formation of dislocation dipoles which subsequently collapse leading to high concentration of point defects. Very low migration energy of point defects, especially self-interstitial atoms, indicating low bonding in a crystal lattice, favors low plastic flow viscosity which in turn leads to low flow stress and high plasticity (superplasticity) of metal. This paper presents the experimental results of KOBO extrusion and KOBO complex rolling, at low (room) temperature. The first method was used to produce thin wires made of MgLi 4 magnesium alloy (extrusion ratio λ  ∼ 10 000), and fully compacted wires made of AZ91 magnesium alloy in the form of machining chips. Basing on the second method, it has been proved possible to change the mechanical properties of strips made of 7075 aluminum alloy without any reduction in their thickness.