Using Plane Strain Compression Test to Evaluate the Mechanical Behavior of Magnesium Processed by HPT

There is a great interest in improving mechanical testing of small samples produced in the laboratory. Plane strain compression is an effective test in which the workpiece is a thin sheet. This provides great potential for testing samples produced by high-pressure torsion. Thus, a custom tool was designed with the aim to test 10 mm diameter discs processed by this technique. Finite element analysis is used to evaluate the deformation zone, stress and strain distribution, and the accuracy in the estimation of stress–strain curves. Pure magnesium and a magnesium alloy processed by high-pressure torsion are tested using this custom-made tool. The trends observed in strength and ductility agree with trends reported in the literature for these materials.