M. L. Santella, Z. Feng, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN; C. Degen, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD; T. Y. Pan, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI

Summary: Friction stir processing was used to modify the surfaces of the magnesium die cast alloy AM60. Stir zones were mainly equiaxed with grain sizes in the range of 5-10 microns. Porosity was reduced in the stir zones. Compared to as-cast metal, the stir zones also experienced increased hardness, flow stress, and ductility.