Investigation of some magnesium alloys by use of the acoustic emission technique

The acoustic emission (AE) technique is a very useful tool for in situ investigations of the processes of plastic deformation during tensile or compression tests. Three magnesium alloys, AM60, AM50 and AM20 were investigated. Tensile tests were performed in the temperature range from 20 to 300 °C. The acoustic emission signal was detected during the tensile test. The acoustic emission results and optical micrographs showed an important role of twinning during plastic deformation up to 200 °C and a change of deformation mechanism above this temperature. The results are in good agreement with results from thermal cycling experiments on Mg metal-matrix composites.