Effect of {10−12} twinning on the deformation behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract Twinning process and dislocation characteristics were determined by means of quasi in-situ electron backscatter diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques in a rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy under different strain paths (compression along rolling direction and tension along normal direction). It is demonstrated that the activation of different twin variants depends on the strain path, and thus these twin variants can further induce different texture characteristics. In addition, two independent slip systems were activated during deformation of both strain paths. However, the dislocation slip modes of the two kinds of deformation are different, resulting in different stress-strain response.