Explain the differences in grain structure for a metal that has been cold worked and one that has been cold worked and then recrystallized.

Short Answer

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Answer: The main differences in grain structure between a cold-worked metal and a cold-worked and recrystallized metal are the shape, size, and uniformity of the grains, dislocation density, and internal stress levels. In a cold-worked metal, the grains are elongated and distorted with high dislocation density, making it stronger but less ductile. In a cold-worked and recrystallized metal, the grains are more rounded, uniform, and equiaxed with reduced dislocation density, making it more ductile but less strong.

Step by step solution

01

Understand cold working

Cold working is a process in which a metal is deformed below its recrystallization temperature. This deformation usually occurs through methods like rolling, stretching, or bending. During cold working, the metal's grain structure becomes elongated and distorted, leading to increased dislocation density and causing the metal to be stronger but less ductile.
02

Understand recrystallization

Recrystallization is a process in which a cold worked metal is heated to a temperature below its melting point but above the recrystallization temperature. At this temperature, the metal's distorted grain structure recovers, and new grains form without pre-existing dislocations. This process reduces the dislocation density, making the metal more ductile and less strong.
03

Compare the grain structure of cold-worked metal

In a cold-worked metal, the grains are elongated, and the dislocation density is high, which means the metal is stronger but less ductile. The grain boundaries are irregular, and there may be high internal stress due to the deformation process.
04

Compare the grain structure of a cold-worked and recrystallized metal

In a metal that has been cold worked and then recrystallized, the grain structure becomes equiaxed, with the grains being more rounded and uniform in size. The dislocation density is reduced due to the new grain formation, making the metal more ductile but less strong. The grain boundaries are more regular, and internal stresses are relieved due to the recrystallization process. In conclusion, the main differences in grain structure between a metal that has been cold worked and one that has been cold worked and then recrystallized are the shape, size, and uniformity of the grains, as well as the dislocation density and internal stress levels.

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