Microstructure analysis and processing parameter optimization of AZ31B magnesium alloy during hydromechanical deep drawing

Abstract This research is an integrated study on the hydromechanical deep drawing processing of AZ31B magnesium alloy at elevated temperatures. Considering the process parameters such as friction coefficient, blank holder force and pressure rate, simulation and experiment were carried out. At the same time, the minimum thickness of the cylindrical parts was selected as the response, and a series of experiments were carried out by Box‐Bhenken design, including response surface method and variance analysis. The optimal combination of processing parameters was obtained by the established model. Combined with the optimized process parameters, the AZ31B magnesium alloy cylindrical parts formed by the testing machine were tested and evaluated. The results verified the correctness of the prediction model, and the error between the experimental results and the predicted simulation results was within 5 %. The wall thickness distribution was uniform and the forming quality was good. In addition, the scanning electron microscope experiment was carried out on the best cylindrical parts, and the microstructure evolution of different regions of the parts was discussed in depth.