Evolution of microstructure and texture during planar simple shear of magnesium alloy

A rolled magnesium alloy was deformed using a planar simple shear apparatus, in which prismatic slip is expected to be a major deformation mode. Examination of the microstructure and texture indicated considerable tension twinning activity. Simulation of flow stress and texture using the viscoplastic self-consistent model was able to reproduce this twinning activity. Although the deformation twinning had a large influence on the microstructure and texture, the flow stress was mostly controlled by prismatic slip.