On the effect of HPT processing conditions on relative density, mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of hot compacted AA6061– mathematical empirical and response surface approach

A loading combination of hot compaction (HC) together with high-pressure torsion (HTP) was used to consolidate discs of AA6061 considering rotations up to 4 revolutions and loading pressure values of 1 and 3 GPa. Mathematical models were established to grasp the true functional interrelationships and variations in the resulting relative densities, mechanical properties, and micro-structural evolutions as affected by the HPT processing pressure and the imposed strain. Sequential iterative nonlinear regression procedures were employed to get the most suitable mathematical relationships that express the relationship between the variables under study. The developed models were examined for its adequacy and significance by using ANOVA analysis as well as many other statistical criteria. Response surface and contour graphs were established for a better understanding of the true functional dependence and, for a quantitative assessment of the intended relationships. It was observed that unifo