Hot compression deformation behavior of the Mg-Al-Y-Zn magnesium alloy

The hot deformation behavior of a Mg- Al- Y- Zn magnesium alloy was investigated by hot compressive testing on a Gleeble-1500 thermal simulator at the temperature ranging from 523 to 673 K with the strain rate varying from 0.001 to 1 s−1. The relationships among flow stress, strain rate, and deformation temperature were analyzed, and the deformation activation energy and stress exponent were calculated. Microstructure evolution of the alloy under different conditions was examined. The results indicated that the maximum value of the flow stress increased with the decrease of deformation temperature or the increase of strain rate. Under the present deformation conditions, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurred in the alloy, which was the main softening mechanism during deformation at elevated temperature. The deformation temperature and strain had significant effects on the microstructure of the alloy.