Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy through the corner of a deep cup-shaped forged part

Abstract Deep cup-shaped parts were forged at 723 K from Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy extruded rods. The obtained microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties were examined by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron backscattered diffraction, and compression testing. Results indicate that the evolution of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy can be divided into 2 distinct stages by the corner. For all tested specimens, the narrowest elongated grains, finest dynamic recrystallized grains, and strongest intensity of texture were obtained at the corner. Distinct differences in mechanical properties were presented both between the testing directions and among the tested locations. For the specimens tested in the same direction, yield strength increased with the texture flow. This result is consistent with the fraction of deformed grains but not with the variation in grain size or texture intensity.