Texture evolution in hot-rolled Al–Cu–Mg sheets using orientation streamline approach and texture index

Texture evolution in hot-rolled Al–Cu–Mg alloy sheets under various temperatures (430 °C, 460 °C, and 490 °C) and values of reduction (50%–90%) has been studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and Transmission Electron Microscope. The texture index FCGB (texture intensity ratio between cube and brass) was introduced to discuss the semi-quantitative relation between the hot-rolling parameters and orientation composition, and the influence on the final fatigue property of the Al–Cu–Mg T3 sheet. The original orientation streamline approach was used to study the potential texture evolutional mechanisms precisely. The results show that FCGB decreased (≤85%) and then increased (90%) with the hot-rolling reduction gradually at 490 °C. Correspondingly, according to the orientation streamlines, the β-fiber transformed into recrystallization texture owing to the near 30°–40° <111> relation according to the following path: Brass0°→R–Cu→near R-CubeND:22.5°; Brass45°→m-Brass→Brass90° →R-CubeND:22.5°+ R-CubeND:67.5°; Cu→G/BT; Cu→R-Cube and near R-CubeND:22.5°; S→Cube and near R-Cube. High temperature and a large reduction in hot rolling tended to enhance the FCGB and improve the fatigue resistance in the final Al–Cu–Mg T3 sheet.