The application of the superplastic forming processes is often limited by the relatively high-cycle times and high temperatures needed to achieve superplasticity in metals – especially for transportation structures. This work is focused on developing alternative thermomechanical processing methods to produce aluminum and titanium alloy sheet materials than can form at lower temperatures, high strain rates, or both. The materials of interest are high-strength non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, and Ti-6AL-4V. The technical work focuses on methods to improve grain size refinement in both materials through combinations of chemical modifications and enhanced thermomechanical processing techniques.
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