The Strength of the Spatially Interconnected Eutectic Network in HPDC Mg-La, Mg-Nd, and Mg-La-Nd Alloys

3D numerical images of the intergranular percolating eutectic of two binary alloys, Mg-0.62 at. pctLa and Mg-0.60 at. pctNd, created using dual beam FIB tomography, were incorporated into an FEM code to model their tensile behavior. Due to its high volume fraction (29.9 pct), the behavior of the Mg-La network was akin to that of a stretch-dominated micro-truss structure, whereas the Mg-Nd’s, with a relatively low volume fraction (7.5 pct), mimicked that of a bending-dominated structure. The 3D network contributed some 37 MPa to the strength of the Mg-La alloy casting, whereas it only added about 1.4 MPa to the Mg-Nd’s. The model predictions based on the binary alloys were verified using cast-to-shape specimens of the Mg-La and two ternary Mg-La-Nd alloys, subjected to a flash-annealing aiming at breaking up the continuity of the 3D network, while preserving the rest of the microstructure unchanged. The flash-annealed specimens exhibited a decrease in strength that matched closely the computed values. Implications regarding alloy design involving the eutectic network and solid solution hardening of more complex alloys are discussed.