Magnesium alloys with high damping, high specific strength and low density have attracted great attention in recent years. However, the application of magnesium alloys is limited by the balance between their mechanical and damping properties. The strength and plasticity of magnesium alloys with high damping performance often cannot meet the industrial requirements. Understanding the damping mechanism of magnesium alloys is significant for developing new materials with high damping and mechanical properties. In this paper, the damping mechanisms and internal factors of the damping properties of magnesium alloys are comprehensively reviewed. Some damping mechanisms have been studied by many scholars, and it has been found that they can be used to explain damping performance. Among existing damping mechanisms, the G-L dislocation theory, twin damping mechanism and interface damping mechanism are considered common. In addition, some specific long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases' crystal structures are conducive to dislocation movement, which is good for improving damping performance. Usually, the damping properties of magnesium alloys are affected by some internal factors directly, such as dislocation density, solute atoms, grain texture and boundaries, etc. These internal factors affect damping performance by influencing the dissipation of energy within the crystal. Scholars are working to find novel damping mechanisms and suitable solute atoms that can improve damping performance. It is important to understand the main damping mechanisms and the internal factors for guiding the development of novel high-damping magnesium alloys.
Keywords: damping capacity; damping mechanisms; influencing factors; magnesium alloys.