Tension-compression asymmetry and Bauschinger-like effect of AZ31 magnesium alloy bars processed by ambient extrusion

Ambient extrusion was used to introduce different pre-strains in billets of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The effect of the pre-strain on tension-compression asymmetry and Bauschinger-like effect were studied. During ambient extrusion, the experimental material experienced {10 (1) over bar2} twinning, {10 (1) over bar2} detwinning and {10 (1) over bar1} twinning sequentially. During tension and compression tests, the dominating deformation mechanisms are different, thus the tensile and compressive yield strength are improved with different trends. The extruded billets showed the strongest tension-compression asymmetry and Bauschinger-like effect when the pre-strain was similar to 11%. With further increase of pre-strain, the plastic deformation became more homogeneous and caused a higher strengthening effect on {10 (1) over bar2} twinning. As a result, the tension-compression asymmetry and Bauschinger-like effect got gradually weakened.

Automated summary

Ambient extrusion was used to introduce different pre-strains in billets of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The results showed that the pre-strain had a significant effect on tension-compression asymmetry and Bauschinger-like effect, with the strongest effect observed at a pre-strain of approximately 11%.