Finite-element analysis of the formability of a magnesium-based alloy AZ31sheet

To examine the formability of a magnesium-based alloy AZ31 sheet, the deep drawing and the Erichsen tests are carried out and they are simulated by th e finite-element method. A recently proposed approach is applied to the pre diction of forming limit of the AZ31 sheet, which latter breaks suddenly wi thout any obvious necking phenomenon. From the histories of stress and stra in calculated by the finite-element simulation, the fracture initiation is predicted by means of a criterion for ductile fracture. Comparison with exp erimental observations shows that the fracture initiation site and the crit ical punch stroke in forming processes of the AZ31 sheet are successfully p redicted by the combination of the simulation with the ductile fracture cri terion. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.