Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg–3Al–Zn Magnesium Alloy Sheet by Hot Shear Spinning

Abstract

Hot shear spinning experiments with Mg–3.0Al–1.0Zn–0.5Mn (AZ31B, wt%) magnesium alloy sheets were conducted at various temperatures, spindle speeds and feed ratios to investigate the effects of these processing parameters on the microstructure, crystallographic texture and mechanical properties. The AZ31B sheet displayed good shear formability at temperatures from 473 to 673 K, spindle speeds from 300 to 600 rev/min and feed ratios from 0.1 to 0.5 mm/rev. During the dynamic recrystallization process, the grain size and texture were affected by the deformation temperature of the hot shear spinning process. Each of the spun sheets presented a strong basal texture, and the c-axis of most of the grains was parallel to the normal direction. The optimal hot shear spinning parameters were determined to be a temperature of 473 K, a spindle speed of 300 rev/min and a feed ratio of 0.1 mm/rev. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation in the rolled direction reached 221 MPa, 288 MPa and 14.1%, and those in the transverse direction reached 205 MPa, 280 MPa and 12.4%, respectively. The improved strength and decreased mechanical anisotropy resulted from the fine grain size and strong basal texture.