Study of HCP→FCC phase transformation mechanism under different hot compression rates of AZ31 magnesium alloy

At present,there are few studies on the phase transition during the thermocompression plastic deformation of magnesium alloy.In this study,the evolution model of thermal compression plastic of AZ31 magnesium alloy was constructed by molecular dynamics,and the phase transition relationship between HCP and FCC at different thermal compression rates was studied.By combining GLEEBLE thermal compression experiment with transmission electron microscopy experiment,high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images were taken to analyze the transition rules between HCP and FCC during plastic deformation at different thermal compression rates,and the accuracy of molecular dynamics analysis was verified.It is found that the slip of Shockley’s incomplete dislocation produces obvious HCP→FCC phase transition at low strain rate and base plane dislocation at high strain rate,which makes the amorphous phase transition of HCP→OTHER more obvious,which provides theoretical guidance for the formulation of forming mechanism and preparation process of magnesium alloy.

Experimental and simulation research on hollow AZ31 magnesium alloy three-channel joint by hot extrusion forming with sand mandrel

Magnesium alloy is one of the lightest metal structural materials.The weight is further reduced through the hollow structure.However,the hollow structure is easily damaged during processing.In order to maintain the hollow structure and to transfer the stresses during the high temperature deformation,the sand mandrel is proposed.In this paper,the hollow AZ31 magnesium alloy three-channel joint is studied by hot extrusion forming.Sand as one of solid granule medium is used to fill the hollow magnesium alloy.The extrusion temperatures are 230℃ and 300℃,respectively.The process parameters(die angle,temperature,bottom thickness,sidewall thickness,edge-to-middle ratio in bottom,bottom shape)of the hollow magnesium alloy are analyzed based on the results of experiments and the finite element method.The results are shown that the formability of the hollow magnesium alloy will be much better when the ratio of sidewall thickness to the bottom thickness is 1:1.5.Also when edge-to-middle ratio in bottom is about 1:1.5,a better forming product can be received.The best bottom shape in these experiments will be convex based on the forming results.The grain will be refined obviously after the extrusion.Also the microstructures will be shown as streamlines.And these lines will be well agreement with the mold in the corner.

Corrosion resistance of cerium-doped zinc calcium phosphate chemical conversion coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy

Zinc calcium phosphate （Zn-Ca-P） coating and cerium-doped zinc calcium phosphate （Zn-Ca-Ce-P） coating were prepared on AZ31 magnesium alloy. The chemical compositions, morphologies and corrosion resistance of coatings were investigated through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy （EDS）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, electron probe micro-analysis （EPMA） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） together with hydrogen volumetric and electrochemical tests. The results indicate that both coatings predominately contain crystalline hopeite （Zn3（PO4）2·4H2O）, Mg3（PO4）2 and Ca3（PO4）2, and traces of non-crystalline MgF2 and CaF2. The Zn-Ca-Ce-P coating is more compact than the Zn-Ca-P coating due to the formation of CePO4, and displays better corrosion resistance than the Zn-Ca-P coating. Both coatings protect the AZ31 Mg substrate only during an initial immersion period. The micro-galvanic corrosion between the coatings and their substrates leads to an increase of hydrogen evolution rate （HER） with extending the immersion time. The addition of Ce promotes the homogenous distribution of Ca and formation of hopeite. The Zn-Ca-Ce-P coating has the potential for the primer coating on magnesium alloys.

Superplasticity of AZ31 magnesium alloy prepared by friction stir processing

Microstructure and tensile behaviors of AZ31 magnesium alloy prepared by friction stir processing（FSP） were investigated.The results show that microstructure of the AZ31 hot-rolled plate with an average grain size of 92.0 μm is refined to 11.4 μm after FSP.The FSP AZ31 alloy exhibits excellent plasticity at elevated temperature,with an elongation to failure of 1050% at 723 K and a strain rate of 5×10-4 s-1.The elongation of the FSP material is 268% at 723 K and 1×10-2 s-1,indicating that high strain rate superplasticity could be achieved.On the other hand,the hot-rolled base material,which has a coarse grain structure,possesses no superplasticity under the experimental conditions.

Crystal anisotropy of AZ31 magnesium alloy under uniaxial tension and compression

To investigate the deformation twinning and the plastic anisotropy of the hexagonal-close-packed（HCP） single crystal, the crystal plastic constitutive model including slip and twinning deformation was established with finite element method based on crystal plasticity theory. The model was verified by test data. Newton-Raphson iteration method was developed with the stress components directly as the basic variables of iteration. The plastic deformation behavior of single crystal AZ31 alloy was analyzed numerically under monotonic tension and compression, respectively, in four different strain paths（i.e. along 〈2110〉, 〈 0110〉, 〈0001〉 and 〈0111〉） with this model. The stress-strain curves were obtained in the above paths. The numerical calculation results show that this crystal model is feasible to predict the activity of slip/twinning system and to describe the number of active twin variants, the types of dominant twin variants and twin intersection. Due to the polar nature of mechanical twinning in inelastic deformation of the material, the plastic behavior of the single crystal material is demonstrated to be notably anisotropic and high asymmetry.

Simulation on dynamic recrystallization behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy using cellular automaton method coupling Laasraoui Jonas model

The dynamic recrystallization （DRX） process of AZ31 magnesium alloy including microstructure and dislocation density evolution during hot compression was simulated by adopting the cellular automaton （CA） method coupling the Laasraoui-Jonas model （LJ model）. The reliability of simulation depended on the accuracy of the hardening parameter, the recovery parameter and the strain rate sensitivity in the LJ model. The hardening parameter was calculated in terms of the LJ model and the Kocks-Mecking model （KM model）, and then the recovery parameter and the strain rate sensitivity were obtained by using the equation of steady state flow stress for DRX. Good agreements between the simulations and the experimental observations were achieved.

Effects of Sr and Y on microstructure and corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy

The effects of Sr and Y with different contents on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of AZ31 alloy were investigated. The results indicate that the addition of Sr can obviously reduce the grain size of AZ31 alloy and transform β-Mg 17 Al 12 phase from continuous network to scattered form. Simultaneously, Al 4 Sr phase distributed along the boundaries of grains is formed in AZ31-Sr magnesium alloys. The addition of Sr is not as effective as the simultaneous addition of Sr＋Y for the refinement of grains, and Al 2 Y and Al 3 Y phases are distributed both in intracrystalline and along grain boundaries. The corrosion resistance is improved slightly in AZ31 alloy with simultaneous addition of 0.5%Sr＋Y. Due to its smallest corrosion current density and corrosion rate, the corrosion resistance of AZ31-0.5%Sr-1.5%Y magnesium alloy is proved the best.

Deformation mechanism and softening effect of extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet at moderate temperatures

The flow stress behavior of extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet was investigated by means of compression tests at temperatures between 473 and 523 K and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 1.0 s-1. The deformation activation energy of the sheet in extrusion direction （ED） was calculated, and the relationship between the softening effect and deformation mechanism was elucidated by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that when the extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy samples were compressed at moderate temperatures in ED direction, the deformation activation energy is 174.18 kJ/mol, which means that dynamic recrystallization （DRX） is the main softening effect and is controlled by cross slip of thermal active dislocation. Dislocation slip is the main deformation mechanism in moderate-temperature deformation process except twinning. The main DRX effect at moderate temperatures can be considered to be continuous dynamic recrystallization accommodated with twinning DRX.

Effects of grain size on shift of neutral layer of AZ31 magnesium alloy under warm condition

The effects of grain size on the shift of neutral layer of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets with different grain sizes ranging from 12.1 to 34.7μm were investigated by the 90° V-bending tests at 150 °C. The results show that the neutral layer tends to shift to outer region of the sheets and the coefficient of neutral layer value (k-value) increases with the increasing grain size. This phenomenon is mainly owing to the enhanced asymmetry between the outer tension region and inner compression region with the increase of grain size. Twinning dominates the deformation in inner region while slips dominate the deformation in outer region.

As-cast microstructure and Sr-containing phases of AZ31 magnesium alloys with high Sr contents

The as-cast microstructure and Sr-containing phases in the AZ31 magnesium alloys with different Sr contents （0%, 0.3%, 2.5% and 5.0%, mass fraction） were investigated. The results indicate that after adding Sr to the AZ31 magnesium alloy, the dendrite/grain size is decreased, and with the Sr content increasing from 0 to 5.0%, the dendrite becomes finer, the dendrite morphology becomes more passive and the distribution of alloying phases at dendrite/grain boundary is dispersed. Furthermore, the morphology of the β-Mg 17 Al 12 phase in the alloy with addition of 0.3%Sr changes from continuously irregular strip-like shape to discontinuously irregular strip-like shape and/or fine granule-like shape. At the same time, some lamella-like eutectic phases are found in the alloys with additions of 2.5% Sr and 5.0% Sr, and the lamella spacing in the alloy with addition of 5.0% Sr is finer. Adding high Sr content to the AZ31 alloy can bring the new ternary eutectic and/or divorced eutectic phase of Mg 11 Al 5 Zn 4 in the alloy, and the Mg 17 Sr 2 and Mg 2 Sr phases are formed in the alloys with additions of 2.5% Sr and 5.0% Sr.

Evolution of twins and texture and its effects on mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets under different rolling process parameters

In order to investigate the dependence of microstructure and mechanical properties on the rolling process parameters, AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets with different grain sizes, basal texture intensities and twinning types were obtained using hot rolling at various temperatures and reductions. The volume fractions of the extension, contraction and secondary twins in the as-rolled sheets depend on the grain size. The highest volume fractions of three types of twins are obtained at 523 K under the reduction of 10% when the average grain size value is the maximum. The critical reductions for complete dynamic recrystallization are 30% at 523 K and 40% at 473 K. The increase of yield strength is ascribed to both grain-refinement strengthening and basal texture strengthening at the first stage. When the grain size does not decrease with increasing the reduction, the yield strength is mainly influenced by the texture weakening.

Effect of Al_2Ca intermetallic compound addition on grain refinement of AZ31 magnesium alloy

The Al2Ca intermetallic compound was prepared by melting process in a vacuum induction furnace. And the A12Ca compound was added in as-cast AZ31 alloys for grain refinement. The effect of its additional levels on grain refinement of as-cast AZ31 alloy was investigated and the mechanism of the grain refinement was discussed. The results reveal that the addition of 1.1% Al2Ca （mass fraction） decreases the average grain size of as-cast AZ31 alloy from 354 to 198 μm. And the thermal stability of the grains refined by Al2Ca is superior. The grain refining mechanism is attributed to the combined effects of solute and heterogeneous nucleation from the Al2Ca.

Grain refinement mechanism of Al-5C master alloy in AZ31 magnesium alloy

Al-5C master alloy was prepared by powder in situ synthesis process, and its effects on grain refinement of AZ31 alloy and refining mechanism were investigated. The results indicate that the AI 5C master alloy consists of a（Al） and A14C3 phases, and the size distribution of Al4C3 particles is controlled by sintering time. The AI 5C master alloy can remarkably reduce the grain size of AZ31 alloy, which decreases with the increasing addition amount of AI-SC master alloy when the addition amount is below 2%. The refining mechanism is attributed to the formation of new compounds of Al-C-Mnparticles by Al4C3 and Mn, which might act as nucleating substrates for a-Mg grain.

Microstructure of asymmetric twin-roll cast AZ31 magnesium alloy

The microstructural distribution along thickness of asymmetric twin-roll cast AZ31 magnesium alloy slab was investigated. It was found that the microstructure along the thickness of the slab was significantly inhomogeneous. There were many deformed bands with flow form near the upper surface of twin-roll cast plate. Very few deformed bands could be seen in the central part of the plate where the dendrites were thick. Fine dendritic structures dominated near the lower surface of the twin-roll cast strip. It is concluded that the shear strain caused by linear velocity difference between surfaces of upper and lower rolls results in the deformed bands of the twin-roll cast slab. Aluminum, zinc and manganese segregate to the boundary of dendrites, while silicon distributes inside the α-Mg solid solution.

Effect of electropulsing rolling on mechanical properties and microstructure of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Electropulsing rolling （ER） and warm rolling （WR） processes were performed to roll AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets. Mechanical properties, microstructure and texture evolution of these specimens were investigated after rolling. The results indicate that electropulsing accelerates the recrystallization of AZ31 alloy sheets during hot rolling. After electropulsing rolling at a relatively low temperature, the microstructure of the sample shows fine equiaxed recrystallized grains with a lower density of dislocations and precipitates. In contrast, the microstructure of the sample after warm rolling shows elongated grain, numerous deformed twins, and a high density of dislocation and precipitates. Electropulsing rolling helps weaken the basal fiber texture. Although both the alloy sheets （ER and WR） have typical basal fiber texture, the maximum pole intensity of basal in ER sample is weaker. ER sheet has higher yield strength and elongation compared to WR sheet. As a promising technique, electropulsing rolling can be used to improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of materials.

Effects of welding current on properties of A-TIG welded AZ31 magnesium alloy joints with TiO_2 coating

The effects of welding current on the macro-morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties of tungsten inert gas(TIG) welded AZ31 magnesium alloy joints with TiO2 coating were investigated. The results showed that the increase of welding current led to the increase in the depth/width ratio and deteriorated the surface appearance of the welded seams with TiO2 coating. The grain size of α-Mg and the amount of granular β-Mg17Al12 particles in the welded seams also increased. The welded joints with TiO2 coating exhibited a deeper weld penetration and larger grain size compared with the welded joint without TiO2 coating. When the welding current was less than 130 A, the ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints with TiO2 coating increased with the increase in welding current and then decreased when the welding current was greater than 130 A. The average microhardness of the heat-affected zone and fusion zone decreased gradually with the increase of welding current.

Plastic anisotropy and fracture behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy

The effects of texture and abnormal large grains on the plastic anisotropy and fracture behavior of hot-rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy were investigated. Uniaxial tensile deformation behaviors of samples with tensile axis tilting 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° to normal direction （ND） respectively were addressed. Tensile deformation anisotropy was observed for samples with different angles to ND. The results show that the specimens with the angle from 0° to 30° exhibit relatively lower yielding strength due to the {1 012}extension twinning. However, basal slip and prismatic slip are the dominant deformation modes for the specimens with angles larger than 45°. Macro-fractures are parallel to the length direction of abnormal large grains in the specimens with angles less than 60°, while those are serrated fracture edge for specimens with angles 75° and 90°.

Simulation of mechanical behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy during twin-dominated large plastic deformation

Experiments and visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) simulations were used to quantify the amount of twinning and the relationship to stress?strain behavior in a textured Mg?3Al?1Zn plate. Two different compression directions were utilized to favor{1012} extension or{1011} compression twinning.{1012} twins nucleate at the beginning of plastic deformation and grow to consume the parent grains completely. During compression along the normal direction,{1011} twinning and{1011}?{1012} double twinning start at strain of 0.05, and the number of twins increases until rupture, above strain of 0.15.{1011} and{1011}?{1012} twinning also occur during compression along the transverse direction, start at strain of 0.06 and then multiply in grains totally reoriented by{1012} twins. Using suitable parameters, the VPSC model can accurately predict the occurrence of extension, compression and double-twinning as well as the flow stresses and deformed textures. According to VPSC simulations, twinning and slip have the same latent hardening parameters.

Review on the effect of different processing techniques on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of AZ31 Magnesium alloy

Magnesium(Mg)alloys despite being the ideal candidate for structural applications,owing to their high specific strength and low density,are not widely used due to lack of active slip systems at room temperature in their hexagonal close-packed crystal structure,eliciting poor ductility and formability.Amongst the various series of Mg alloys,the AZ and ZK series alloys have been standouts,as they inherit better room temperature strength and flow characteristics through their solute elements.Grain refinement,as well as eliminating casting defects through metal processing techniques are vital for the commercial viability of these alloys since they play a key role in controlling the mechanical behaviour.As such,this review highlights the effect of different Bulk-deformation and Severe Plastic Deformation techniques on the crystal orientation and the corresponding mechanical behaviours of the AZ31 alloy.However,every process parameter surrounding these techniques must be well thought of,as they require specially designed tools.With the advent of finite element analysis,these processes could be computationally realized for different parameters and optimized in an economically viable manner.Hence,this article also covers the developments made in finite element methods towards these techniques.

Influence of temperature and strain rate on flow stress behavior of twin-roll cast, rolled and heat-treated AZ31 magnesium alloys

The effects of temperature and strain rate on the flow stress behavior of twin-roll cast, rolled and heat-treated AZ31 magnesium alloys were investigated under uniaxial tension. At high temperatures, dynamic recovery, continuous dynamic recrystallization, grain boundary sliding and the activation of additional slip systems lead to an improvement of the ductility of the alloys. The elongation to failure is nearly independent of the strain rate between 473 and 523 K at 10-2 s-1 and 10-1 s-1, which is related to the strain rate dependence of the critical resolved shear stress（CRSS） for nonbasal slip. Despite the high temperature, twins are even observed at 573 K and 10-3 s-1 because they have a low CRSS.