In-situ observation of twinning and detwinning in AZ31 alloy

Twinning and detwinning behavior of a commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy during cyclic compression–tension deformation with total strain amplitude 4% (±2%) was evaluated using the complementary techniques in-situ neutron diffraction, identical area electron backscatter transmission microscopy. In-situ diffraction demonstrates that compressive dominated by twin nucleation, growth, basal slip, while unloading stresses subsequent tension stage. With increasing number cycles from one to eight: volume fraction twins at -2% gradually increased 26.3% 43.5%; residual were present after 2% stage their zero 3.7% as well significant increase in number; twinning spread coarse grains fine involving more for twinning. The led transition nucleation resulting decrease yield strength compression cycles. A large < c >-component dislocations observed detwinned regions attributed dislocation transmutation detwinning. accumulation barriers including boundaries various types enhanced interactions migrating boundary these detwinning, which is considered be origin work hardening rate alloy.