Effect of tension-compression asymmetry of AZ31B magnesium alloys on four-point bending

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical response of magnesium alloy AZ31B is addressed thanks to four-point bending tests. These alloys are known to have an asymmetrical behavior in tension-compression. The bending test is, therefore, a good candidate to analyze this effect because it combines the two solicitations. Digital image correlation is used to measure the evolution of the strain fields during the test. Measurements of the shift of the neutral line (zero strain) of the specimen are then presented for samples taken in the rolling direction and the transverse direction. It is shown that the shift of this line is initially towards the side in tension and then shifts back toward the center of the sample. Due to this reversal of the sliding direction of the neutral line, some physical points of the tested specimen are subjected alternatively to compression and tension. Measurements show that these alternations are confined to the elastic domain.