Microstructure and Texture Evolution During the Alternate Extrusion of An Az31 Magnesium Alloy

Abstract

In this study, a new extrusion process, alternate extrusion (AE ), is proposed .We eva l uated the re l iability and superiority of this process in practica lapplications by conducting a simulation using the finite element method ,which confirmed the experimental results. The microstructure characteristicsof an AZ31 magnesium alloy produced by conventional extrusion ( CE ) and AEwere investigated by electron backscattered diffraction and optical micro-scopy, and the effects of the microstructures on the mechanical propertieswere studied across the extruded specimens. The main advantage of AE is thatthe load is reduced to less than half that in the CE process; this res u lts fromthe reduced cross-section of the split punches. Additionally , the grain size withAE is more refined than with CE because of the additional shear force, whichimproves the mechanical properties of the alloys. Furthermore , AE can alsoweaken the intensity of the basa l plane texture.