Forming limit comparisons for FCC and BCC sheets

In this paper, numerical simulations of forming limit diagrams (FLDs) are performed based on a rate-sensitive polycrystal plasticity model together with the Marciniak-Kuczynski (M-K) approach. Sheet necking is initiated from an initial imperfection in terms of a narrow band. The deformations inside and outside the band are assumed to be homogeneous, and conditions of compatibility and equilibrium are enforced across the band interfaces. Thus, the polycrystal model need only be applied to two polycrystal aggregates, one inside and one outside the band. Both FCC and BCC crystals are considered with 12 distinct slip systems for an FCC crystal and 24 distinct slip systems for a BCC crystal. The response of an aggregate comprised of many grains is based on an elastic-viscoplastic Taylor-type polycrystal model. With this formulation, the effects of initial imperfection intensity and orientation, crystal elasticity, strain-rate sensitivity, single slip hardening, and latent hardening on the FLD can be assessed. Identical initial textures are considered for both FCC and BCC polycrystals and the predicted FLDS are compared with each other. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.