Mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of single crystal Mg micropillars subjected to high-strain-rate C-axis compression

The mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of single crystal magnesium under c-axis quasi-static and high-strain rate compressions are investigated through in situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) experiments and post-mortem transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization. The findings revealed that ductility and high rates of hardening are preserved for pillars as large as 15 μm. Furthermore, rate effects result in a mild increase in flow stress with plastic deformations controlled primarily by the slip of type dislocations. Importantly and in contrast to other literature reports, plastic deformation occurs in the absence of twining. As the strain increases and plastic deformation exceeds about 4%, crystal rotation activates basal slip, type dislocations, resulting in a more rate independent flow stress. TEM observation on micropillars compressed at a strain rate of 250/s, revealed the activation of {112‾2‾} slip systems and high mobility of screw dislocations as major contributors to plastic strains in excess of 10% without fracture. These findings are relevant to the design of lightweight materials used in transportation systems, e.g., selection of material grain size. Moreover, the experimental data here reported provides the materials science community with a unique opportunity to validate discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) formulations employed in multiscale design of materials. •First in situ SEM high strain rate investigation of hcp micropillars.•Identification of primary plasticity mechanisms from TEM dislocation measurements.•Condition for plasticity in Mg in the absence of twinning and fracture identified.•The findings have implications on the design and use of lightweight alloys in transportation and space exploration.