Damping capacity of the test alloys was tested by MDA 8Q00 dynamic mechanical analyzer.The effects of rare earth element Nd on the damping capacities and microstructure of ZK60 magnesium alloys were analyzed

and the damping properties of the alloys at as-cast

as-solution and as-extruded were compared.The results show that the grains in the alloy at as-cast state are refined from 100μm to approximately 35μm and the microstructure of the alloy is changed from two phases ofα-Mg+MgZn to three phases ofα-Mg+MgZn+MgNdZn owing to the addition of rare earth element Nd.The lengths in the weak pinning points are shortened and the strain independent damping capacities of the alloy are reduced because of solid solution of Nd atoms.However

the strain dependent damping values of the alloy with Nd are improved by a large number of movable dislocations produced by interaction between MgNdZn andα-Mg matrix.In moderate strain amplitude range(1×10

-4

≤ε≤4×10

-4

)

damping properties of ZK60 magnesium alloys at as-cast

as-solution and as-extruded

containing rare earth element Nd

are higher than that of alloys without Nd

respectively.