Applicability of the formability evaluation method for advanced high strength steels

Abstract

The use of high strength and ultra-high strength steels has become the main technical solution for reducing vehicle weight and improving safety. It is more complicated to evaluate the formability of advanced high strength steels with different microstructure and deformation characteristics. In this paper, the applicability of existing formability evaluation methods for advanced high strength steels has been verified by experiment and theoretical analysis. The experiment and data analysis of conventional formability evaluation methods, such as strain hardening index, forming limit curve and hole expansion ratio, were carried out on advanced high strength steels, such as dual-phase steel, complex-phase steel, quenched and tempered steel and dual-phase steel with high formability, which are widely used in automotive industry. It is found that due to the complex work hardening characteristics of advanced high strength steels, the work hardening homogenization and forming limit cannot be characterized by a single work hardening index or forming limit diagram, and the standard hole expansion method cannot reflect the quality sensitivity of the formed edge. A new formability evaluation index is proposed and discussed, which can be used to more accurately compare the formability of advanced high strength steels and provide a reference for material evaluation and part selection.