Novel texture analysis method for optimising material property in extruded 6xxx alloys using artificial neural networks

Abstract

This study investigates the extruded texture of a 6xxx series high-strength aluminium alloy as a function of profile geometry using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and X-Ray diffraction pattern (XRD). A novel texture analysis method was designed to acquire and prepare reliable texture data for machine learning applications. The method categorizes textures into five distinct groups, with volume fractions calculated for each group. Furthermore, finite element analysis of the extrusion process revealed that axial tensile strain promotes a combination of 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 //ED texture components, while shear deformation induces 〈211〉 //ED texture components. The results were subsequently fed into an artificial neural network (ANN) model developed to link the texture to profile geometry, which governs the deformation modes experienced during the material flow. This approach represents a significant advancement towards real-time control of material properties during extrusion.