《China Foundry》
Title:Control of fine grain structures and strengthening-toughening mechanisms in magnesium alloys fabricated by wire-arc directed energy deposition
Author:Wei Liu1, *Hai-long Jia1, 2, Yi-hang Yang1, Min Zha1, Artem Marchenkov3, Pin-kui Ma1, and Hui-yuan Wang1, 2
Address: 1. Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of Ministry of Education & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China; 2. International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; 3. Moscow Power Engineering Institute, National Research University, Moscow 111250, Russia
Key words:magnesium alloy; wire arc directed energy deposition; spiral oscillation; isotropy; strength-ductility synergy
CLC Nmuber:TG146.22
Document Code:A
Article ID:1672-6421(2026)03-367-10
Abstract:
Wire-arc directed energy deposition (WA-DED) has attracted considerable attention for the fabrication of magnesium (Mg) alloys due to its high efficiency, low cost, and rapid prototyping capability for complex components. However, the inherent rapid solidification and complex thermal cycling associated with WA-DED often result in coarse columnar grains and pronounced mechanical anisotropy, which severely limiting its application potential. In this study, a novel spiral oscillation (SO) strategy was implemented during WA-DED AZ31 Mg alloy to refine the microstructure, reduce mechanical anisotropy, and achieve a strength-ductility synergy. Specifically, the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) are increased by 9.7%, 38.1%, and 147%, respectively. These improvements by the SO strategy are primarily attributed to the promotion of columnar-to-equiaxed transformation (CET), a 74.2% reduction in maximum texture intensity, and a more uniform distribution of second-phase particles. Second-phase particles are primarily composed of Al8Mn5 and Al8Mn4Y. This study provides a novel strategy for microstructural control aimed at improving the performance of WA-DED AZ31 Mg alloy components.