Microstructure phenomena and mechanical properties of AZ31B under warm forming conditions

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