Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of WE54 Alloy after Deformation under Different Speeds

The WE54 alloy in T4 and T6 states were deformed by quasi-static compression and air-hammer forging (high speed). The microstructures, hardness and compression performance before and after deformation were investigated. The results show that after the quasi-static deformation and high speed deformation, twins appeared in some deformed grains of WE54 alloys in T4 and T6 states, and secondary twins were fomed in some coarse twins. These twins exhibited parallel arrangement or intersection features. The deformed grain size remained invariable in the T4 and T6 alloys after deformation at different speeds, but the refining structure due to the sectioning of matrix by newly formed twins was helpful for the improvement of Vickers hardness and compression performence. Compared with the quasi-static compression, the high speed deformation promoted the twinning mechanism to coordinate deformation, therefore induced more twin boundaries to refine the matrix and enhance the hardness and yield strength of the deformed alloys.