Evolution of Texture and Microstructure of AZ31 Mg Alloy Sheet at High Strain Rates

Abstract:

The high strain rate behaviour of magnesium alloys is of great interest to automotive,aerospace and/or defence industries because some critical components should have the propermechanical properties to work under crash or impact conditions. In the current study, resultsfrom an extensive experimental program are presented. The uniaxial mechanical behaviour ofAZ31 sheet under dynamic conditions (ε=103 s^-1) is analyzed and compared with that observedat low strain rates. AZ31 sheets have been tested in tension and compression using Hopkinsonbar apparatus at 25°C and 250°C. Moreover, interrupted tests were also performed in orderto relate the evolution of deformation mechanisms with strain. Finally, detailed microstructureand texture examination by electron backscatter di raction (EBSD) and neutron di ractionhas been carried out in order to elucidate the predominant deformation and recrystallizationmechanisms.