Inhomogeneous Deformation of AZ31 Magnesium Sheet in Uniaxial Tension

Inhomogeneous plastic deformation during uniaxial tensile test of AZ31 magnesium sheet has been studied using digital image correlation and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. It is shown that large strain gradients exist on the sheet surface parallel and perpendicular to the loading direction and very little deformation occurs in the thickness direction. The lack of thinning leads to abrupt fracture right after the formation of a premature but profound diffuse neck without transitioning to any localized neck. Such inhomogeneous deformation arises from the strong basal texture of the starting sheet and the resultant need for contraction and double twinning to accommodate strain. The strain distribution on the sheet surface evolves nonlinearly with strain, impacting the measured r-value.