High-Temperature Deformation of Magnesium ElektronTM 43
Complex sheet metal components can be formed from lightweight aluminum and magnesium sheet alloys using superplastic forming technologies. Superplastic forming typically takes advantage of the high strain-rate sensitivity characteristic of grain-boundary-sliding (GBS) creep to obtain significant ductility at high temperatures. However, GBS creep requires fine-grained materials, which can be expensive and difficult to manufacture. An alternative is provided by materials that exhibit solute-drag (SD) creep, a mechanism that also produces elevated values of strain-rate sensitivity. SD creep typically operates at lower temperatures and faster strain rates than does GBS creep. Unlike GBS creep, solute-drag creep does not require a fine, stable grain size. Previous work by Boissière et al. suggested that the Mg-Y-Nd alloy, essentially WE43, deforms by SD creep at temperatures near 400°C. The present investigation examines both tensile and biaxial deformation behavior of ElektronTM 43 sheet, which has a composition similar to WE43, at temperatures ranging from 400 to 500°C. Data are presented that provide additional evidence for SD creep in Elektron 43 and demonstrate the remarkable degree of biaxial strain possible under this regime (>1000%). These results indicate an excellent potential for producing complex 3-D parts, via superplastic forming, using this particular heat-treatable Mg alloy.