For thin metal sheets subject to stretching under various in-plane tensile
stress histories, localized necking is analyzed by using the M-K-model appr
oach, and forming limit diagrams are drawn based on the critical strains fo
r localization. The analyses account for plastic anisotropy, and prediction
s are shown based on four different anisotropic plasticity models, which ha
ve all been fitted to agree with the same set of experimental data. Situati
ons where the tensile axis is along one of the orthotropic axes of the anis
otropy are studied, as well as situations where the tensile axis is incline
d to the orthotropic axes. Furthermore, the effect of allowing for nonzero
shear strains outside the necking band is considered. In all analyses the r
otation of the orthotropic axes is accounted for, and a few studies are use
d to evaluate the effect of assuming the development of a plastic spin. (C)
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