Effects of temperature and strain rate on the high-temperature workability of strip-cast Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy

Abstract

In this study, high-temperature workability of a strip-cast Mg-3Al-1Zn (AZ31) alloy was investigated on the basis of the processing map and microstructural analysis. To obtain the processing map, a series of isothermal compression tests was carried out up to a strain of 0.5 at temperatures of 473 to 673 K and strain rates of 0.01 to 10 s(-1). It was found that the maximum efficiency indicating the optimum processing condition was obtained at 573 K and 10 s(-1) and the processing instability occurred around the region of 473 K and 0.01 s(-1). The possible high-temperature deformation mechanisms were also discussed in relation to initial texture development and twin formation.