Cooperative {10(1)over-bar2}/{10<($1over bar>1} twinning and prismatic slip in magnesium crystals

Mg single crystals most favourably oriented for prismatic slip were subjected to plane strain compression at room and elevated (200 and 370 degrees C) temperatures. At room temperature deformation was accommodated by cooper-ative {10 (1) over bar2} extension and {10 (1) over bar1} contraction twinning, occurring in a combined fashion, instead of prismatic slip. At higher strains deformation was found to localize within contraction twin bands that underwent dynamic recrystallization. Such bands were also revealed to be crack initiation sites due to extensive localized shear. Prismatic slip was activated at elevated temperatures (above 200 degrees C) only, although being geometrically favored.

Automated summary

Single crystal Mg deforms through cooperative twinning at room temperature, but activates prismatic slip at elevated temperatures. Dynamic recrystallization occurs within contraction twin bands that localize deformation.