Work

Microstructure and mechanical properties of shear spun Mg-5Zn-1Gd-1Y-1Mn alloy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Shear spinning is an important method for metal shell forming. However, due to the poor plasticity of magnesium alloy, limited research exists on its spinning forming. Understanding the microstructure evolution of magnesium alloy during shear spinning is the key to realizing its controllable spinning forming. In this work, the microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture behavior of Mg-5Zn-1Gd-1Y-1Mn (ZGWM5111) alloy formed by shear spinning were investigated, and the dynamic recrystallization behavior and texture evolution during shear spinning were clarified. The results show that compared with the traditional plastic deformation, the thickness reduction of ZGWM5111 alloy in shear spinning is very small, and the microstructure can be changed significantly only by shear stress. The shear stress of the alloy varies during the spinning process, influencing both the recrystallization driving force and subgrain mobility. This leads to an evolution in the recrystallization mechanism, progressing from twin-induced to continuous, and ultimately to discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. Different from the existing research on magnesium alloys, the recrystallization grains of ZGWM5111 alloy are continuously refined during the spinning process, and the basal texture strength is also continuously enhanced. In addition, the mechanical properties of ZGWM5111 alloy were significantly improved after shear spinning, especially the elongation was doubled compared with that before spinning, which changes the fracture mode from brittle fracture to ductile-brittle mixed fracture. • Shell ZGW5ll alloy workpiece was fabricated successfully by shear spinning. • Stress state during shear spinning process was analyzed, and the DRX behavior and texture evolution law in the process were revealed. • With the progress of shear spinning, the grain size is continuously refined. • Compared with conventional plastic deformation, the alloy exhibits an increased recrystallization rate but develops a strong basal texture.

Source: Metals Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.metadv.2026.02.025