Abstract:Based on crystal plasticity theory and surface layer model, relation of flow stress to billet dimension and grain size was built, and rationality of derived relation was verified with tensile tests of different size billets. With derived expressions, relation of decreasing flow stress scale effect to billet dimension, grain size as well as billet shape was discussed and predicted. The results show that flow stress is proportional to billet size; with decrease of grain size, flow stress is less influenced by billet dimension. When both cross section area and grain size are same, flow stress decrease of rectangular section billet or sheet is larger than that of circular section billet.

Key words: microforming; flow stress; scale effect; billet dimension; crystal plasticity theory; surface layer model; Hall-Petch relation