Abstract
Keywords magnesium alloys, static and fatigue tests, S-N curve, fatigue limit
In trying to improve the performance of automotive components the use of a new class of materials as AZ80 and ZK60 is investigated. Static tests (tension, compression, torsion) reveal interesting behaviour and failure modes of specimens. Fatigue tests on the intermediate and long life of such materials are done on specimens with reduced size, according to standards. Fatigue tests reveal scatter of results, attributed to specimen manufacturing and material quality. For ZK60 an S-N curve is established and comments on the hysteresis loops are done. A possible complete approach on characterizing magnesium alloys give confidence in the future design of automotive structural components with high resistance and reduced weight.