| Abstract Scope |
Magnesium (Mg) alloys are essential for numerous industrial applications but poorly understood from a mechanics perspective, while a comprehensive understanding of their mechanical behaviors can guarantee a more efficient alloy design as well as a greater application potential. Twinning, as one of the key deformation mechanisms in Mg and Mg alloys, is investigated in this work. We use atomistic simulations to perform systematic studies on the effect of nine alloying elements, different solute compositions, and applied stresses on twin embryo growth in Mg alloys. We demonstrate that Li, Y, and Nd promote twinning, while Al, Zn, Sn, Ca, Pb, and Ce have a negative effect. This effect is caused by the local interaction of solute atoms with interfacial dislocations/disconnections on various twin/matrix interfaces, which also controls the final 3D configuration of the twin embryo. Our results contribute important new insights needed for developing more efficient, more durable, stronger, lighter, and safer structural materials. |