Large deformation of magnesium sheet at room temperature by preform annealing, part II: “Bending”

Automotive magnesium sheets are typically difficult to deform up to large strains at room temperature for stamping applications. This paper is part II of a study to assess the effect of multi-step bending and annealing (MBA) on cumulative bendability of AZ31 magnesium alloy at room temperature. The deformation mechanisms during the MBA process are studied by V-bending and Electron Backscattered Diffraction study. The MBA process is shown to improve the cumulative bendability of AZ31 at room temperature by grain refinement and texture modification. The results are also compared with part I of the study where the effect of multi-step uniaxial stretching and annealing is studied on the uniaxial tensile ductility of AZ31 at room temperature.