Achieving large plasticity in bulk magnesium single crystal via dynamic compression

Compression tests were performed on magnesium (Mg) single crystals along the c-axis at ambient temperature. The plastic behaviors under quasi-static and dynamic conditions were comparatively analyzed. Twinning dominated quasi-static compression, in which stress concentration at twin boundaries initiated the formation of cracks and voids, ultimately leading to premature failure. In contrast, dynamic compression triggered “deformation graining”, which effectively suppressed twin nucleation and accommodated substantial plastic deformation. Additionally, the new grains generated by deformation graining continuously activated the basal slip to contribute to partial plasticity.