Deformation Mechanisms and Evolution of Second Phase Particles of Mg–Y–Nd–Gd–Zr Alloy During Plane Strain Compression

Deformation behavior of a rolled Mg–Y–Nd–Gd magnesium alloy was studied at a temperature range of 240–480 °C under plane strain compression. Two types of samples including different loading-constraining configurations were employed to study anisotropy in deformation response. The result showed that plane strain deformation mode extends the temperature range for predominance of twinning up to 480 °C. However, yield anisotropy was diminished by increasing temperature to 480 °C. Moreover, plane strain deformation mode caused the development of dynamic recrystallization to be postponed to high strains. Deformation behavior of the two sample types were explained by calculation of Schmid factor and texture analysis. Fine dynamically recrystallized grains were traced to form at 420 and 480 °C. Relying on EBSD analysis, the development of new grains was explained using continuous dynamic recrystallization mechanism, where pyramidal and prismatic poles of new grains were rotated relative to their parent grain. The dynamic evolution of metastable β′ and β″ phases was also observed at high temperatures, the fraction of which was remarkably increased with increasing temperature to 420 and 480 °C.