Observation of micro-scale surface morphology with microtexture development during plane strain tensile deformation in AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract

The change of microstructure including microtexture and surface morphology in AZ31 magnesium alloy under plane strain tension was investigated by 3D observation combined confocal microscope and high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction. Micro-scale changes in the surface morphology were observed on the area including tensile twin bands. The mechanism for surface morphology variation was discussed with the nucleation of tensile twinning and the strain partitioning caused by continuing deformation after the nucleation of the twins.