Design and mechanical properties analysis of AA5083 ultrafine grained cams

This present research work deals with the development of ultrafine grained cams obtained from previously ECAP (Equal Channel Angular Pressing)-processed material and manufactured by isothermal forging. The design and the manufacturing of the dies required for the isothermal forging of the cams are shown. Optimization techniques based on the combination of design of experiments, finite element and finite volume simulations are employed to develop the dies. A comparison is made between the mechanical properties obtained with the cams manufactured from material with no previous deformation and with those from previously SPD (Severe Plastic Deformation)-processed material. In addition, a comparative study between the experimental results and those obtained from the simulations is carried out. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to obtain ultrafine grained cams with an increase of 10.3% in the microhardness mean value as compared to that obtained from material with no previous deformation.