Microstructural evolution of Mg-6Zn-0.6Zr alloy during high strain rate compression deformation

In this study, the microstructural evolution and single magnesium cell deformation behaviour of extruded Mg-6Zn- 0.6Zr alloy were investigated along the extrusion direction with strain rate at 1800 s(-1) using a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. The microstructural evolution and deformation mechanism were studied by X-ray diffraction, electron back scatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of the microstructural evolution shows that {10 (1) over bar2}< 10<(2)over bar>10> tension twinning and (0001) <11<(2)over bar>0> basal plane slip were dominant when the strain was less than 6%, and {11 (2) over bar2}< 11<(2)over bar>3> pyramidal plane< c+a> slip was the major deformation mechanism when the strain exceeded 6%. In particular, the transformation process of single magnesium crystal cell during deformation was studied in detail.