Continuous characterization by X-ray microtomography of damage during high-temperature deformation of magnesium alloy

X-ray microtomography is a fruitful technique to characterize damage during high-temperature deformation. Usually, such characterizations are carried out in post mortem conditions. In the present study, three-dimensional (3-D) damage characterization was performed in in situ conditions, namely directly during high-temperature deformation tests. Continuous 3-D damage characterization was successfully performed during high-temperature deformation of a magnesium alloy. Nucleation and growth of cavities were studied and a particular attention was also given to the possibility of coalescence between cavities.