Dynamic recrystallization and texture development during hot deformation of a magnesium alloy AZ31

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and texture development, taking place during hot deformation of a magnesium alloy AZ31 with a strong wire texture, was studied in compression at 673K (0.73Tm). Two kinds of samples were machined parallel to the extruded and transverse direction of the Mg alloy rods. New fine grains are evolved at original grain boundaries corrugated at low strains and developed rapidly in the medium range of strain, finally leading to a roughly full evolution of equiaxial fine grains. Kink bands are evolved at grain boundaries corrugated and also frequently in grain interiors at low strains. The boundary misorientations of kink band increase rapidly with increasing strain and approach a saturation value in high strain. The average size of the regions fragmented by kink band is almost the same as that of new grains evolved in high strain. These characteristics of new grain evolution process are not changed by the orientation of the samples, while the flow behaviors clearly depend on it. It is concluded that new grain evolution can be controlled by a deformation-induced continuous reaction, i.e. continuous dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The latter is discussed comparing with conventional, i.e. discontinuous, DRX. (author)