Influence of {10-12} extension twinning on the flow behavior of AZ31 Mg alloy

Uniaxial compression tests were performed on samples cut along the extrusion direction from AZ31 Mg alloy tubes. A stage of increasing work hardening rate was observed on representative true σ-ɛ curves. Specimens compressed to various strain levels were examined by optical microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) techniques. The results indicate that the widespread formation of intersecting {10-12} extension twins is responsible for the increased strain hardening rate.