Abstract：Pure magnesium has various microscopic plastic modes, especially twinning, which lead to a complex plastic deformation. The mechanical properties also show significant difference from those of the common FCC and BCC metals. However, due to the lack of sufficient understanding on the plastic mechanisms in dislocation slip and twinning deformation, the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys were not improved well. Compared with aluminum alloys, the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys still have much room for improvement. Based on this background, I first reviewed the development history and application status of magnesium alloys. Then I introduced the research progress in plastic mechanisms of dislocation slip and twinning deformation as well as computer simulation methods. Especially <c+a> dislocations, twinning, grain boundaries, precipitates, and solute atoms were highlighted. Finally, some research topics worthy of attention were proposed.
2019, Vol. 40 
