Anisotropic effects on the strain rate dependence of a wrought magnesium alloy

The anisotropic effects on the microstructure and mechanical response of rolled magnesium alloy Mg-3Al-lZn in the H24 condition have been quantified. Strong strain rate dependences on the compressive yield, hardening rate and ductility were observed in the normal direction, while the rolling and transverse directions exhibited no strain rate dependence on the yield strength, but did show a marked increase in hardening at a characteristic strain level. The microstructural characteristics associated with the different mechanical property tests were also determined. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.