Forging, textures, and deformation systems in a B2FeAl alloy

High-temperature forging experiments have been carried out by axial compres sion testing on a Fe-41Al-2Cr alloy in order to determine the deformation s ystems operating under such high-speed, high-temperature conditions, and to examine the textures produced by such deformation and during subsequent an nealing to recrystallize. Deformation is deduced to take place by the opera tion of [111]{110} and [111]{112} slip systems at low temperatures and by [ 100]{001} and [100]{011} slip systems at high temperatures, with the format ion of the expected strong (111) textures. The examination of the weak (100 ) texture component is critical to distinguishing the operating slip system . Both texture and dislocation analyses are consistent with the operation o f these deformation systems. Recrystallization takes place extremely quickl y at high temperatures (above 800 degrees C), that is within seconds after deformation and also dynamically during deformation itself. Recrystallizati on changes the texture such that [100] textures superimpose on the deformat ion texture. The flow stress peak observed during forging is found at a ver y high temperature. Possible origins of the peak are examined in terms of t he operating slip systems.