Abstract: Crystallographic texture evolution during symmetric and asymmetric rolling of aluminum and copper was investigated experimentally and through modelling using the Finite Element Method (FEM) combined with crystal plasticity (CP) approaches. Rolling asymmetry was introduced by varying the ratio of the roll diameters, with the asymmetry coefficient defined as A=R₂ / R₁. A second type of asymmetry was generated by adjusting the material insertion angle α, defined as the angle between the incoming strip and the horizontal plane. Consequently, both flat and tilted entry configurations were examined. The variation of crystallographic texture across the thickness of the rolled bars was measured using X-ray diffraction and predicted using FEM–CP simulations. In parallel, the microstructure was characterized by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The dominant effect observed during asymmetric rolling is the homogenization of texture across the sample thickness, arising from the presence of strong shear stresses and strain components within the material. The extent of this homogenization depends on the selected rolling geometry parameters, namely A and α. Changes in texture distribution significantly influence the mechanical response of the material, particularly its plastic ductility and drawability. These effects manifest as an increased maximum strain at fracture and a reduction in planar plastic anisotropy. The developed computational software enables optimization of the rolling geometry parameters. Based on the modelling results, the most favorable rolling configurations have been identified and recommended for technological implementation.

Keywords: Rolling geometry, crystallographic texture, aluminium, X-ray diffraction, mechanical properties, numerical modeling

Biography: Krzysztof Wierzbanowski is a full professor at AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland. His research mainly focuses on physics of materials, plastic deformation and recrystallization of materials, crystallographic textures, residual stress analysis using diffraction methods and modeling of polycrystalline materials, etc. He has authored/co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications publications, in addition to contributing to conference proceedings and delivering many invited talks. His academic service includes supervising Ph.D. dissertations, reviewing doctoral and habilitation theses, and serving on scientific committees and conference boards. In teaching, he leads undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and materials science and has developed his own educational scripts and materials.