Microstructure Evolution of Dual-Directional-Extruded Mg Alloy AZ31: An Experimental and Simulation Study

Abstract

Combining the finite-element analytic technique with the microscopic observation, we have investigated microstructures and stress-strain distributions of the Mg alloys AZ31 processed by a new extrusion method, dual-directional extrusion. We have found that grains in the extruded alloys are refined significantly, which is attributed to the deformation-induced grain subdivision and dynamic recrystallization. Such well refined grains play a critical role in the enhancement of the long-standing poor mechanical properties of the relevant engineering Mg alloys AZ31.