A special extrusion-shear manufacturing method for magnesium alloy rods based on finite element numerical simulation and experimental verification

The influences of extrusion conditions and die structures on magnesium alloy rods prepared by extrusion-shear (ES) have been researched by finite element simulations and experiments. Computer finite element simulation software (DEFORM-3D TM finite element software) was used to simulate the evolution of load during the ES process with different preheated billet temperatures and strokes and channel angles. Microstructures of AZ31 magnesium alloy sampled from extruded rods prepared by direct extrusion and the ES process were observed to analyze deformation mechanisms. The results show that compared with the direct extrusion process, the ES process can significantly improve the equivalent strain value and deformation range of AZ31 magnesium alloy, thus refining the microstructure of magnesium alloy. Comparing the microstructure of the magnesium alloy at different preheating temperatures, it can be found that the grain growth rate of the ES process with a higher preheating temperature is significantly higher than that of the ES process.