Dynamic recrystallization mechanisms operating under different processing conditions

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is one of the most important mechanisms for microstructure evolution during deformation of various metals and alloys. So-called discontinuous DRX usually develops in structural materials with low to medium stacking fault energy during hot working. The local migration, i.e. bulging, of grain boundaries leads to the formation of recrystallization nuclei, which then grow out consuming work-hardened surroundings. The cyclic character of nucleation and growth of new grains during deformation results in a dynamically constant average grain size. The dynamic grain size is sensitively dependent on temperature and strain rate and can be expressed by a power law function of flow stress with a grain size exponent of about -0.7 under conditions of hot working. Recent studies on DRX phenomenon suggest that a decrease in deformation temperature changes the structural mechanism for new grain formation. As a result, the grain size exponent in the relationship between the dynamic grain size and flow stress approaches about -0.25 under warm working conditions.