Effects of {10–12} Twins on Dynamic Torsional Properties of Extruded AZ31 Magnesium Alloy

Abstract

Effects of initial twins on dynamic torsional properties of extruded AZ31 alloy were investigated by introducing {10–12} twins into it through precompression to 3 and 6% strains along the extrusion direction and performing torsional testing at a strain rate of 1.4 × 103 s−1 using a torsional Kolsky bar system. The as-extruded sample without twins showed higher dynamic torsional properties than the precompressed samples with many initial twins; the maximum shear strength and fracture shear strain decreased with increasing amount of initial twins. In the as-extruded sample, twinning occurred vigorously throughout the gage section of the tubular specimen during high-strain-rate torsional tests, resulting in heavily deformed morphology, many macrocracks, and rough fractured surfaces. The increased amount of initial twins suppressed the twinning behavior and localized the applied torsional deformation; this resulted in an almost unchanged sample shape, no secondary cracks, and a flat fracture plane, thereby deteriorating the dynamic torsional properties of the extruded alloy.