Mechanical Characterization of The Plastic Deformation Behavior of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Processed Through Spinning Using Nanoindentation

The nanomechanical properties of an AZ31 magnesium alloy processed through spinning was systematically characterized with nanoindentation experiments using a Berkvoich indenter. The plastic deformation behavior of magnesium alloy was revealed by quantitatively studying microstructure evolution through spinning. Indentation depth, elastic recovery rate, yield strength, and hardening exponent were evaluated at the maximum loads. It was found that the grains observed by optical microscope were gradually refined. The nanoindentation plots revealed that the nanomechanical properties improved with the increase of spinning passes. Additionally, the calculated yield strength and hardening exponent of the cylinders were in the range of 42.0±0.5–125.5±0.6 MPa and 0.182–0.017 respectively with the increase of spinning passes. In summary, it was possible to evaluate the elastoplastic behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy after spinning using the results of the nanoindentation tests.