The microstructure evolution and deformation mechanism in a casting AM80 magnesium alloy under ultra-high strain rate loading

Ultra-high strain rate impact tests were conducted by Split-Hopkinson pressure bar to investigate the microstructure evolution and impact deformation mechanism of a solution treated casting AM80 Mg alloy at 25, 150 and 250 °C with a strain rate of 5000 s−1. The microcrack and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) preferentially nucleate at grain boundary (GB) and twin boundary (TB), especially at the intersections between GBs and TBs, and then propagate along twin direction. In contrast, the adiabatic shear bands preferentially occur at high-density twined regions. At 25 °C, the dominated deformation mechanisms are basal slip and twinning. As deformation temperature increases to 150 and 250 °C, the deformation gradually shifts to be dominated by a coordinated mechanism among non-basal slip, twinning and DRX. The flow stress behavior and deformation mechanism indicate that the degree of decrease in flow stress with temperature is associated with the change of deformation mode.