Superior Shock Resistance of Magnesium and Magnesium–Aluminum Alloys with Cerium Addition

This study investigates the shock response of forged and annealed commercially pure magnesium (Cp – Mg) and its cerium (Ce)‐alloyed variants (Mg – 0.5Ce and Mg – 3Al – 0.5Ce). Shock loading is performed using a conventional shock tube setup at two pressure levels along the forging direction (FD). Under low‐pressure conditions, all materials deform without fracturing, with Cp – Mg exhibiting the highest deflection. However, at higher pressure, Cp – Mg discs fracture, displaying brittle cleavage, whereas Mg – 0.5Ce and Mg – 3Al – 0.5Ce absorb impact energy without failure due to their superior strength–ductility balance. Among the Ce‐alloyed variants, Mg – 3Al – 0.5Ce demonstrates slightly better shock resistance, exhibiting lower deflection and effective strain. Shock loading does not alter the grain size but results in a high density of predominantly extension twins that complements slip activity in all materials, particularly at higher pressures and in Cp – Mg. Post‐shock analysis reveals the greatest reduction in basal texture intensity in Cp – Mg, while Mg – 0.5Ce and Mg – 3Al – 0.5Ce show a moderate decrease. This reduction is attributed to slip and twinning, with Cp – Mg displaying the highest twinning activity. Local misorientation analysis indicates strain localization and stress concentrations at twin–matrix interfaces. Overall, Mg – 0.5Ce and Mg – 3Al – 0.5Ce exhibit superior shock resistance compared to Cp – Mg, owing to their higher toughness, lower twin density, and increased non‐basal slip activity.