Deformation Behavior of AZ and AE Cast Magnesium Alloys at High Strain Rate Loading

In the present study, the dynamic response of AZ and AE cast magnesium alloys to shock loading, are compared for strain rates ranging between 900 and 1200 s-1. Texture measurements showed that after shock loading, the (00.2) basal texture component of both alloys was strengthened. However, the strengthening magnitude was higher for AE samples. Also, it was observed that the twinning fraction decreased in both alloys with increase in the amount of alloying elements. In addition, cracks are formed at the interface between matrix and second phase particles in the AZ alloys. However, crack nucleation and fracture in AE alloys occurred at the sites where twins accumulated. Furthermore, analysis of the dynamic mechanical behaviors showed that the ductility of AE grade is higher than that of AZ alloy for all strain rates used in this research. This difference was explained by differences in deformation mechanisms of these alloys.