Abstract: The method controlling grain shape in TMT processing and the effect of grain shape on char- acteristic parameters in superplastic deformation were discussed.The accommodation velocity of grahl boundary sliding,which is the dominant mechanism in superplastic deformation,and the contribution of each mechanism to the total strain,as influenced by grain shape,were ana- lyzed.Grain shape has been shown to be an essential structural factor for superplasticity.Then an analysis was made about the effect of grain shape on the region transition strain rate so that a new concept,critical aspect for superplasticity,was worked out.These predictions were compared with the measured results in an Al-Zn-Mg alloy.

Key words: superplastic deformation, thermomechanical treatment(TMT), grain shape, grain boundary sliding, region transition