High strain rate superplasticity in aluminum alloys via friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) leads to very fine grained microstructure in aluminum alloys. This feature can be used as a means for achieving enhanced superplasticity at higher strain rates. Also, FSP can convert cast microstructure into superplastic microstructure in a single step. FSP aluminum alloys have less tendency towards cavitation compared to conventional superplastic alloys. These enhanced superplastic characteristics can be utilized in developing new manufacturing concepts like selective superplasticity, thick plate superplasticity and superplastic forging.