Papers by Keyword: Magnesium Alloy AZ31

Abstract: Twin- roll casting of magnesium alloys is a rapidly solidifying process, which can directly produce thin strips from molten metal. In this paper, based on a pilot vertical type twin-roll caster, 3D models of twin-roll casting process were used for simulation of thermal flow and solidification on depending of casting speed, molten pool level and pouring temperature. The effect of side dams on thermal flow behavior was also considered. Based on the analyzed results, a proper concave slot nozzle was designed to compensate temperature variation across the width of strip. Comparing with parallel type slot nozzle, it can adjust temperature distribution along the roll width continuously by adopting proper concave curves, which is more flexible than rectification boards delivery system. Strips of magnesium alloy AZ31 were produced in the pilot caster with the concave slot nozzle. The experiments show that surface quality of as cast strip was improved by using the new type of nozzle.

Abstract: In the present study, we have attempted to refine a microstructure of conventional AZ31 magnesium alloy using a new combination process including hot extrusion followed by a cold equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). ECAP die was specially designed with an inner die corner angle of 135 degree, the fillet angle of 45 degree and dimensional thermo-coupled elastro-plastic material model in order to understand the change of stress and strain of the deformed material after a cold ECAP. ECAP for the AZ31 alloy, which was extruded in the extrusion ratio 20 to 1 and heat-treated at 623K, was successfully carried out at room temperature. The uniform shear band obtained from experiment was well matched with the zone of effective strain more than 0.533 estimated from calculation. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that the room temperature ECAP makes microstructure to be refined and the basal plane to be rotated slightly from extrusion direction to axis direction. Compressive yield strength of AZ31 alloy can be enhanced up to twice in applying ECAP process. Hall-Petch relations do not fit to the experimental data This can be ascribed to the texture effect. Room temperature ECAP process is very promising in improving mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy in terms of grain refinement and texture control.

Abstract: Strip casting is a promising route to directly produce magnesium alloy sheet by twin roll casting method. As-cast strips with proper microstructure and good surface quality are requested to serve as next rolling feedstock. In order to restrain the coarse dendrite growth and get uniform grain, a new method of in-line heat treatment was proposed. The as-cast strip was dipped into an oil tank after exiting the rolls and then was quenched with oil at various temperatures. The effect of oil temperature, casting speed and pouring temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of cast strip was investigated.

Abstract: It is well known that magnesium alloys have difficulties in room temperature formability because of their HCP structure. As a basic approach to enhance a cold formability, a new combination process including an extrusion followed by a cold equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was attempted. ECAP die has an inner die corner angle of 135 degree, the fillet angle of 45 degree and thickness of 5mm. A finite element analysis with a three-dimensional thermo-coupled elasto-plastic model was also carried out to understand the change of stress and strain during ECAP. Experiments showed that the AZ31 alloy, which is extruded at a ratio of 20 and is heat-treated at 350°C, was successful in a cold ECAP. From the simulated results, it was found that the effective strain gradually decreased from the inner die side (0.533) to the outer die side. This was confirmed by the analytical analysis via von Mises criterion. Furthermore, it also matched well with the experiments, which showed a uniform shear deformation band. It was also interesting to note that compressive yield strength was drastically increased, which is caused by the occurrence of numerous twins spread across the materials during a cold ECAP.