Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Hot Backward Extrusion Process of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr Magnesium Alloy

Abstract

The hot backward extrusion process of the Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy was investigated by both numerical simulation and experiments. An axisymmetric 2D rigid-plastic finite element model (FEM) was established to simulate the material flow during the extrusion process. The shapes of the dies were optimized in order to avoid severe stress concentration and obtain uniform deformation of the workpiece. After hot extrusion, the microstructures of the alloys were obviously refined, and the secondary phases which included many long-period stacking order (LPSO) phases precipitated in the matrix. The optimal comprehensive mechanical properties of the alloy have been obtained after extrusion and ageing at 200°C for 48h with the ultimate tensile strength of 434MPa, tensile yield strength of 375MPa and elongation of 4.5%, respectively. The good mechanical properties were mainly attributed to the fine microstructures and numerous precipitates in the matrix.