Effects of various grain and subgrain morphologies on low temperature work hardening of pure Al is studied using tensile tests. Plotting the work hardening rate as a function of true stress, the work hardening is separable into two distinct regimes. Both regimes are approximated by a line (Theta) = (Theta)(sub 0) (minus) K(sub 2)(sigma), where (Theta)(sub 0) is theoretical work hardening rate at zero stress and K(sub 2) is related to dynamic recovery rate. The first or early deformation regime exhibits greater values of (Theta)(sub 0) and K(sub 2) and can extend up to the first 10% strain of tensile deformation. This early deformation regime is contingent on the existence of a pre-existent dislocation substructure from previous straining. The (Theta)(sub 0) and K(sub 2) associated with the early deformation regime are dependent on the strength and orientation of the pre-existent dislocation substructure relative to the new strain path. At high enough temperatures, this pre-existent dislocation substructure is annealed out, resulting in the near elimination of the early deformation regime. In comparison, the latter regime is dominated by the initial grain and/or subgrain morphology and exhibit lower values of (Theta)(sub 0) and K(sub 2). The actual value of K(sub 2) in the latter regime is strongly dependent on the existence of a subgrain morphology. Recrystallized or well-annealed microstructures exhibit greater values of K(sub 2) than microstructures that remain partially or fully unrecrystallized. The higher K(sub 2) value is indicative of a more rapid dynamic recovery rate and a greater degree of strain relaxation. The ability to achieve a more relaxed state produces a low-energy cellular dislocation substructure upon deformation. The introduction of subgrains hinders the evolution of a low-energy dislocation cell network, giving way to a more random distribution of the dislocation density.
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