Deformation in wrought Mg−9Wt Pct Y

Abstract

Considerable tensile-compressive yield strength anisotropy is normally associated with textured wrought magnesium alloys.¹ The ease of {1012} twinning is responsible for the lower compressive yield strengths of these materials. In Mg-9 wt pct Y, however, approximately equal tensile and compressive yield strengths of about 50 ksi have been previously reported.² This investigation was performed to study the deformation of wrought Mg-9 wt pct Y with the purpose of understanding its unusual isotropic behavior. It was found that almost no {1012} twinning occurs in this alloy, thus accounting for the absence of anisotropy. Initial plastic deformation both in tension and compression occurs almost entirely by slip, primarily on the basal plane. Subsequent deformation occurs by a combination of slip and {1121} twinning with short {1012} twins appearing only occasionally.