Acoustic emission inspection of Portevin-Le Chatelier effect and deformation mechanisms of two Mg–Li–Al alloys

In this paper, Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect of LA41 magnesium alloy is reported. With increasing strain rate, both ultimate tensile stresses (rb) and 0.2% proof (r0.2) stresses increase, while serrations become less severe. Major acoustic emission (AE) peaks appear at the end of elastic region, and transform to burst type signals in the plastic range. In another alloy containing less Li (LA11), serrations are absent and major AE peak values are considerably lowered. Additionally, PLC effect disappears in LA41 after annealing. The role of twins is discussed in details. Actual causes for AE activity during deformation are also proposed.