The influences of electropulse on mechanical properties of AZ31B alloy were investigated by the electro-plastic (EP) tensile tests. The results show that the flow stress decreases with the increase of the root mean square (RMS) current density, while the elongation to fracture almost remains unchanged after it reaches a certain value. The higher peak current density can lead to a more potent EP effect when the RMS current density remains approximate. The results of microstructure analysis indicate that, the electropulse can reduce the dynamic recrystallisation temperature and promote the grain boundary sliding. The inverse eutectic reaction (α + β = L) will take place at the necking zone under high electropulse, which can optimise the deformation mechanism before the liquid phase is too much.

This study aimed to prepare Cu-based coatings with excellent corrosion resistance by cold spraying. Cu, Zn, and Al particles with different mass ratios were mechanically blended as the feedstock materials. The microstructure, element content, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated. Results showed that all the prepared coatings presented a dense microstructure. In addition, the thickness of the coatings exceeded 290 μm, and the existence of the “hammer effect” made the thickness and hardness of the coatings present an obvious negative correlation. Electrochemical test results indicated that changes in the element content could significantly affect the corrosion behavior of coatings. During the immersion period, the coatings containing Al exhibited better corrosion resistance.

The straight groove test of AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet by electric hot temperature-controlled incremental sheet forming (ISF) was conducted at different temperatures. The temperature influence on fracture depth, deformation force and strain distribution was investigated. It was found that the limit depth and major strain increased as the temperature rose and that the forming force decreased correspondingly. Furthermore, the fracture behavior changed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture. Considering the formability and surface wear comprehensively, the optimized forming temperature was determined to be 300 °C. The microstructure of the groove specimen was analyzed and the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was considered to be the reason for the improved formability. The degree of DRX depended on the temperature and degree of deformation, which resulted in non-uniform distribution of hardness within the cross section of the groove specimen.