Simulation of semi-solid thixoforging using a micro-macro constitutive equation

The constitutive equation of the isothermal steady-state behaviour of semi-solid materials is described with a micro-macro modelling. It is based on the application of the micromechanics concept of “coated inclusion” to semi-solid behaviour and the introduction of an evolving bimodal distribution of the liquid and solid phases. The micro-macro modelling is implemented in the FE code Forge2. The influence of the normal and abnormal namely softening stress–strain rate relationship on thixoforging is analyzed using compression and extrusion tests simulations.