Tensile formability enhancement of magnesium AZ31B-0 alloy using electrical pulsing

In recent years, the industrial demand for strong, lightweight metal alloys, such as magnesium AZ31B-0, has increased. However, the wide spread application of this alloy has been restricted due to its limited formability. Therefore, a manufacturing method which increases the alloy's formability is highly desired. Previous work by the authors has shown that pulsed electricity increases the formability of many alloys without requiring reduced deformation rates. As a result, the research herein is focused on determining the effects of electrically-assisted manufacturing (EAM) on magnesium AZ31B-0. As a part of investigating these effects, various current density and pulse duration combinations (i.e., high current/short duration or low current/long duration) are examined. As expected, the effectiveness of the different combinations varied. However, a linear relationship is discovered between the current density and electric charge which can be used to predict a desired elongation. Moreover, at certain conditions, the alloy's elongation is approximately doubled and its flow stress decreased; thereby significantly improving the material's overall workability.