Influence of Second Phase Particles on Fracture Toughness in AZ31 Magnesium Alloys

Three kinds of thin AZ31 wrought magnesium alloys sheets were used in order to investigate the influence of the second phase particles on fracture toughness. From the theoretical model, the ratio of λp/dp would be estimated 5~ 6. On the other hand, from the microstructural observation, average particle spacing on each material was sample A: 13.1µm, sample B: 14.1, and sample C: 12 µ. In addition, average particle size on each sample was sample A: 2.1, sample B: 1.9, and sample C: 2.3 µm. Therefore, the ratio of λp/dp calculated from fracture surface observation would be predicted 6 ~ 7. In comparison with the result of the prediction by theoretical analysis was in good agreement with the result of fracture toughness observation. It was found that the variation in plane-strain fracture toughness on AZ31 were affected by both of particle spacing and particle size.