Review: Processing of metals by equal-channel angular pressing

Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a processing method in which a metal is subjected to an intense plastic straining through simple shear without any corresponding change in the cross-sectional dimensions of the sample. This procedure may be used to introduce an ultrafine grain size into polycrystalline materials. The principles of the ECAP process are examined with reference to the distortions introduced into a sample as it passes through an ECAP die and especially the effect of rotating the sample between consecutive presses. Examples are presented showing the microstructure introduced by ECAP and the consequent superplastic ductilities that may be attained at very rapid strain rates. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers.