Twinning and its related work hardening during the ambient extrusion of a magnesium alloy

Uniaxial extrusion was used to impact different strains up to nearly 70% to an AZ31 alloy at room temperature. Tensile tests were then conducted on the pre-strained samples to track the overall working hardening with strain. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the twinning behavior and twinning related texture during this ambient extrusion. Twinning bands were considered most effective in accommodating the imposed strain, and were found follow highest Schmid factor. Localized strain occurred within twinning area, however, no evident work softening could be found.