Electro-plastic effect on tensile deformation behaviour and microstructural mechanism of AZ31B alloy

The influences of electropulse on mechanical properties of AZ31B alloy were investigated by the electro-plastic (EP) tensile tests. The results show that the flow stress decreases with the increase of the root mean square (RMS) current density, while the elongation to fracture almost remains unchanged after it reaches a certain value. The higher peak current density can lead to a more potent EP effect when the RMS current density remains approximate. The results of microstructure analysis indicate that, the electropulse can reduce the dynamic recrystallisation temperature and promote the grain boundary sliding. The inverse eutectic reaction (α?+?β?=?L) will take place at the necking zone under high electropulse, which can optimise the deformation mechanism before the liquid phase is too much.