Hot workability and constitutive model of the Cu-Zr-Nd alloy

Hot deformation behavior of the Cu-Zr-Nd alloy was studied by using compressive tests in the temperature range of 550-900 degrees C and the strain rate range of 0.001-10 s(-1) on the Gleeble-1500D thermomechanical simulator. The Cu-Zr-Nd alloy flow stress increased at higher strain rate and lower temperature. Based on the processing maps and microstructure, the optimal processing parameters for the Cu-Zr-Nd alloy are determined as 750-870 degrees C and 0.001-0.03 s(-1). The addition of Nd can promote the dynamic recrystallization. A new constitutive model, which compensates for the strain rate, is established according to the Arrhenius-type equation. The Zener-Hollomon parameter was also modified to compensate for the strain rate. The flow stress predicted by the constitutive equation is consistent with the experimental flow stress. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.