Effect of warm forming conditions on AZ31B flow behaviour and microstructural characteristics

The paper presents the mechanical and microstructural characterization of the magnesium alloy AZ31B through tests conducted at elevated temperature on a dedicated uni-axial tensile set-up. The samples are heated in-situ through induction heating and their actual deformation is recorded in-line through the Aramis™ system. Results from the tests in terms of flow stress, plastic properties and anisotropic coefficients are presented and commented. Additionally, the microstructural analysis on deformed samples in terms of grain size and recrystallized fraction is shown, in order to identify the fundamental mechanisms of dynamic recrystallization and grain growth and to correlate them with the testing parameters. The study provides the best combination of process parameters that can assure, at the same time, good formability and sound microstructure in the warm forming temperature range.