Microstructural study of strain localization in a compressed Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy

This study examined the development of microstructures during strain localization in a Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy compressed at both room temperature and 200 degrees C. Strain localization is caused by the formation of shear bands (SBs). The SBs were in sheet form, parallel to the transverse direction (TD), and inclined at approximately 25 degrees to the rolling plane of the specimen plate. The SBs formed at room temperature consisted of compression twins and dislocations, and the SBs formed at 200 degrees C consisted of compression twins and fine dynamically recrystallized grains. In contrast to the SBs formed at room temperature, strain softening occurred in the SBs formed at 200 degrees C. This paper presents a discussion on the deformation mechanisms operating in the SBs formed at different temperatures. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.