Microstructural Characterization of a Dilute Magnesium Alloy During Cyclic Four-Point Bending

Corrosion of biomedical implants is important, but this is only half of the story. The other half, which is the focus of this research, deals with how a minimal stress value impacts the mechanical properties of a critically thin implant. This thesis explores the mechanical response of a thin-walled, dilute magnesium alloy with few grains in the section subjected to cyclic four-point bend deformation. We found that in a critically thin alloy under bending the neutral band shifts towards the intrados causing the surface to experience tensile and compressive stress at the same time. The imposed strain cannot be accommodated.