Microstructure evolution of Mg-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy against soft steel core projectile

The study aimed to shed light on the post deformation and damage behavior of an extruded Mg-ZnZr alloy under a ballistic impact. The results revealed that the initial microstructure consisted of both {0001} basal and■ prismatic fiber texture. After impact, adiabatic shear bands, pronounce different twinning in big grains, <a>, <c>, and <c+a> types of dislocations, and grain refinement through twinning induce recrystallization accommodated the strain, and absorbed ~65.7 % of the energy during impact carried by a soft steel projectile. Interestingly, the deformation behavior at the top broad sides of the crater was entirely different. The weak basal texture was changed to a strong prismatic texture,which was further proved by typical sigmoidal compressive stress-strain curves. A revised model for the development of the ultra-fine grains adjacent to the crater has been proposed. The microhardness and yield strength was ~33 % and ~40 % higher and chiefly ascribed to strain hardening in ultra-fine grained near the surface of the perforation path. The exit of the perforation path was severely damaged and forms onion-shaped concentric rings which were comprised of melted zones, dimples, and cracks.Based on the all interesting findings, this study can be a clue for the development of the lightweight Mg alloy for military and aerospace applications.