AbstractThe quasi‐state and dynamic mechanism of AZ31 magnesium alloy at a strain rates range of 0.001 s‐1–2500 s‐1 under a temperature range of 20 °C–250 °C were researched by compression tests using the electronic universal testing machine and split Hopkinson pressure bar system. The true stress‐strain curves at different strain rates and evaluated temperatures were obtained. The result shows that the thermal soften effect of AZ31 magnesium alloy is significant. By modifying the temperature term of the original Johnson Cook model of AZ31 magnesium alloy, a modified Johnson Cook model of AZ31 magnesium alloy has been proposed to reveal thermal soften effect on the deformation behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy more precisely. With the modified Johnson Cook model and fracture model, the finite element method simulation of AZ31 magnesium alloy hat shaped specimen under impacting was conducted. The numerical simulation result is consistent with the experimental result, which indicates that the modified Johnson Cook model and fracture model are greatly valid to predict the deformation and fracture behavior of the AZ31 magnesium alloy hat shaped specimen under impacting.