Asymmetric flow during plane strain compression testing of aluminum alloys

The development of an asymmetric flow pattern during plane strain compression (PSC) testing of aluminum alloys is analyzed. The flow behavior is related to the occurrence of a minor lateral offset of the compression platens during high strain deformation. Variation in the rate of indentation of the platens as a consequence of the offset causes the specimen to rotate and an oscillatory flow pattern evolves. The influence of the resultant inhomogeneous strain distribution on texture evolution during post-deformation annealing is examined.