Microstructural observations on specimens deformed by diffusion creep

Abstract

Abstract The microstructural changes accompanying diffusion creep in a magnesium –0·62 wt.% Mn alloy have been examined. Up to ∼20% strain, deformation takes place by the formation of precipitate-denuded zones with accommodation by grain boundary sliding. Above ∼20% strain, zone formation makes a decreasing contribution to the total deformation and it is concluded that creep takes place predominantly by grains switching neighbours rather than by any change in grain shape.