Abstract
This paper aims to elucidate the microstructural evolution and hardening mechanisms in the thin-walled tube of A286 rivet sleeves subjected to cold forging. The strain distribution, microstructure, and hardness changes within the thin-walled tube were analyzed using Optical Metallography, Electron Backscatter Diffraction, a microhardness tester, and numerical simulations. The results indicate that cold forging leads to a 54% increase in the tube’s maximum hardness compared to the initial billet. Notable hardness gradients are observed along both the axial (329–356 HV) and radial (343–370 HV) directions. This hardness enhancement primarily originates from grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening. The non-uniform strain distribution in the tube causes varying degrees of hardening effect, contributing to the observed hardness gradient. Additionally, Cold forging promotes the development of {111} fiber textures oriented parallel to the normal direction within the tube. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing cold forging process parameters and enhancing the quality of aerospace blind rivets.
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