Study on the Material Models of the Forming Limit Curves Development for Predicting a Fracture Behavior of AA5754-O in Automotive Parts

Abstract

The forming limit curve (FLC) is commonly used to predict the formability behavior of sheet metal after the forming process. In this research, the forming limit curve generated from the Materials Model was applied to analyze and predict the fracture behavior of the fuel tank workpiece, a motorcycle part made of AA5754-O material, using the deep drawing process simulated by the finite element method. The research involved a comparison with actual cracks that occur in the automotive industry after molding. To determine the mechanical properties of the AA5754-O material for use in the forming limit curve, a specimen with a thickness of 1.5 mm was subjected to a tensile strength test, providing the necessary input for the mechanical properties in the forming limit curve based on the Keeler-Beizer equation. The forming limit curve is a correlation graph between major strain and minor strain. When the FLC is created from the Materials Model, it is utilized in conjunction with deep drawing drag simulation in the PAM-STAMP program to predict the fracture point. The accuracy of the mathematically generated FLC in predicting fracture behavior was verified after the deep drawing process. The study found that the FLC based on the Keeler-Beizer equation can accurately predict the cracking behavior of AA5754-O sheet metal, enabling identification of the fracture location during the deep drawing process. One advantage of creating the FLC from the material models is its compatibility with the same material but with different workpiece shapes, allowing its use in conjunction with molding simulations using various programs. This approach saves costs associated with testing to obtain the FLC.