Analysis of plastic flow localization under strain paths changes and its coupling with finite element simulation in sheet metal forming

Formability of sheet metal is usually assessed by the useful concept of forming limit diagrams (FLD) and forming limit curves (FLC) represent a first safety criterion for deep drawing operations. The level of FLC is strongly strain path dependent as observed by experimental and numerical results and therefore non-proportional strain paths need to be incorporated when analyzing formability of sheet metal components. Simulations using finite element method allow accurate predictions of stress and strain distributions in complex stamped parts. However, the prediction of localized necking is a difficult task and the combination of forming limit diagram analysis with finite element simulations often fail to give the right answer, if complex strain paths are not included in these predictions.