Fatigue behaviour of AZ31 and AZ61 magnesium alloys after corrosion degradation

Dissertation thesis is focused on evaluation of influence of exposure in 5% salt fog on fatigue behavior of AZ31 and AZ61 magnesium alloy fabricated by squeeze casting method. Microstructure and mechanical properties of experimental materials have been evaluated. The AZ61 alloy was solution heat treated after prior optimization of the heat treatment process based on microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties. Depths of corrosion damage, corrosion rate and mechanism of corrosion of all three experimental alloys have been evaluated. Influence of prior corrosion exposure for 480 and 1000 hours on fatigue behavior of experimental materials was evaluated. Obtained data were compared with data obtained using smooth test specimens. Fractographic analysis was carried out on both smooth and precorroded specimens. Furthermore, influence of aluminium on corrosion and fatigue behavior of tested alloys was defined