An investigation into the microstructure/strain pattern relationship in backward extruded AZ91 magnesium alloy

The contours of equivalent plastic strain (EPS) and shear strain (SS) over the cross section of backward extruded AZ91 magnesium alloy have been modeled employing the finite element method (FEM). The results indicate that the distributions of EPS and SS are not homogenous at different regions over the products' cross section. In addition, the microstructure evolutions and strain pattern relationship have been explored through applying the backward extrusion (BE) method in the temperature range of 250-450 degrees C. The results indicate that the microstructural features (grain size, mechanical twins and gamma-second phases) of different regions are strongly affected by applying backward extrusion, which is fairly consistent with the heterogeneous strain distribution. The obtained results are properly addressed relying on the principal deformation and restoration mechanisms, which operate under specified deformation conditions. The hardness measurements have been also employed to trace the related changes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.