A Microstructure-Based Model for Describing Softening Process During Compression of Al-30%wt Zn Alloy

In the present work, a new model (MARISAL) that describes the mechanical behavior of Al-30wt%Zn alloy under compression is proposed. MARISAL is a microstructure-based model, which takes into account the effects of solid solution decomposition, Orowan looping and grain refinement on the mechanical behavior. As an overall result of these mechanisms, the material is subjected to initial softening under deformation that saturates at moderate plastic strains. The MARISAL model describes softening and saturation based on a simple evolution law relating the dislocations mean free path to plastic strain.