Development of shear bands during deformation of partially solid alloys

The development of shear bands in partially solid alloys is investigated during the deformation of a magnesium alloy at ∼45% solid during equiaxed solidification. Results show that shear bands initiate after reaching the peak stress and then increase in thickness during strain softening from ∼10 to ∼16 mean grains thick. Once shear bands become fully developed, shear continues at approximately constant stress and volume.