In situ analysis of the tensile deformation mechanisms in extruded Mg–1Mn–1Nd (wt%)

Abstract

An extruded Mg–1Mn–1Nd (wt%) (MN11) alloy was tested in tension in an SEM at temperatures of 323 K (50°C), 423 K (150°C), and 523 K (250°C) to analyse the local deformation mechanisms through in situ observations. Electron backscatter diffraction was performed before and after the deformation. It was found that the tensile strength decreased with increasing temperature, and the relative activity of different twinning and slip systems was quantified. At 323 K (50°C), extension twinning, basal, prismatic ⟨a⟩, and pyramidal ⟨c + a⟩ slip were active. Much less extension twinning was observed at 423 K (150°C), while basal slip and prismatic ⟨a⟩ slip were dominant and presented similar activities. At 523 K (250°C), twinning was not observed, and basal slip controlled the deformation.

Keywords:

• microstructure
• tensile
• slip
• twinning
• magnesium

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation Division of Material Research (Grant No. DMR1107117) and by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grants PRI-PIBUS-2011-990 and PRI-PIBUS-2011-917) through the Materials World Network program. CJB acknowledges the support from the Spanish Ministry of Education for his sabbatical period in Madrid (SAB2009-0045). The authors would also like to thank the vehicle interior manufacturer, Grupo Antolin Ingeniería, S.A., within the framework of the project MAGNO2008-1028-CENIT funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The authors acknowledge Professors Thomas Bieler and Martin Crimp of Michigan State University for their prior work in developing the slip trace analysis technique.