Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Grain Size Evolvement of AZ31 Mg Alloy during High Ratio Extrusion

The grain size evolvement of AZ31 magnesium alloy during high ratio extrusion (HRE) was investigated by experiment and numerical simulation. A Yada model was established according to the results of experimental study and trial calculation. Effects of the deformation temperature, extrusion ratio and extrusion velocity on the grain size were analyzed. The results showed that the microstructure of the AZ31 alloy was dramatically refined by high ratio extrusion. The deformation conditions exhibited obvious effects on the grain size, and the deformation conditions were interplaying and interacting with each other during the HRE process. Compared to the deformation temperature and extrusion velocity, the severe plastic deformation induced by the high ratio extrusion is a major cause of grain refinement. With the increasing of the extrusion velocity, the grains could be refined due to a shorter recrystallized grain growth time. At the same time, the deformation temperature increased with the increasing of the plastic strain rate, which results in faster recrystallized grain growth. Finally, recommended method is advised to further refine the grain size.