Research advances in multi-scale numerical simulations of forming and microstructures for magnesium alloys

It is one concern of the researchers how magnesium (Mg) alloys solidify under different conditions and how their microstructure evolves during solidification, and what are the relationship between the macroscopic properties and various microstructures. Such issues are difficult to be revealed through experiments only, especially for the newly developed Mg alloys, for which there is a lack of more systematic and mature system. However, multi-scale modeling and simulation can promote and deepen our understanding of the microstructure and its deformation mechanism. In this paper, we review and summarize the recent research progress of numerical simulation of Mg alloys in forming and microstructure, namely casting, extrusion, rolling, and welding, using crystal plasticity finite element (CPFEM) and molecular dynamics (DM) methods. Besides, the methods and innovations of modeling are also summarized. Lastly, the paper discusses the development prospects and challenges of the numerical simulation in the field of Mg alloys.