Evaluation of constitutive models for textured aluminium alloys using plane-strain tension and shear tests

Abstract

The constitutive modelling of the strongly textured aluminium alloys AA6063-T6 and AA7003-T6 is studied. The materials were delivered in the form of flat extruded profiles. Plane-strain tension and shear tests in the plane of the flat profiles are performed. The tests are then used to evaluate a constitutive model including an anisotropic yield function, the associated flow rule and a nonlinear isotropic work-hardening rule. The parameters of the yield criterion and the work-hardening rule were identified primarily from uniaxial tension tests in different in-plane directions. It is suggested how analytical considerations and the results from the plane-strain tension and shear tests may be used to obtain a more accurate calibration of the anisotropic yield criterion. To further assess the constitutive model, finite element simulations of the plane-strain tension and shear tests are carried out and the results compared with the experimental force-elongation curves. Significant deviations in the experimental and predicted results are disclosed, and attributed partly to the parameter identification, primarily based on uniaxial tension tests, and partly to the assumption of isotropic work-hardening. Polycrystal plasticity calculations are carried out for simple shear of the AA7003-T6 material, indicating that texture evolution plays an important role in determining the response in this test already at moderate strains. © 2011 The Author(s).