Changes in Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Magnesium Alloys Resulting from Superimposed High Current Density Pulses

Magnesium alloys are important engineering materials due to their good combination of strength and very low densities. However, the low ductility imposed by the hcp-lattice has thus far limited the application of magnesium alloys as sheet material. The use of the electroplastic effect offers a route to increase formability of magnesium alloys while being more energy efficient than conventional hot forming. The underlying mechanism (s) of this effect have not yet been fully understood. This study investigates the impact of high current density electrical pulses on magnesium alloys. Special consideration was given to the effect of the orientation of the applied electric current relative to the mechanical loading of the specimens. The results show that the mechanical properties of coarse-grained materials are more strongly affected by the current pulses than finer grained material. Applying the current parallel to the compressive load shows a more pronounced softening of the material than pulses applied perpendicular to the mechanical stress. Microstructure investigations revealed the formation of twinning solely in the interior of grains even at stresses below the yield point for both configurations.