Effect of Strain Paths on Formability Evaluation of TRIP Steels

Abstract

The Forming Limit Diagrams (FLD) are widely used in the formability analysis of sheet metal to determine the maximum strain, which gives the Forming Limit Curve (FLC). It is well known that these curves depend on the strain path during forming and hence on the test method used to calculate them. In this paper, different stretching tests such as the Nakajima and the Marciniak tests were performed, with different sample geometries to obtain points in different areas of the FLD. An optical analysis system was used, which allows following the strain path during the test. The increasing use of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) has created an interest in determining the mechanical properties of these materials. In this work, FLCs for a TRIP steel were determined using Nakajima and Marciniak tests, which revealed different strain paths depending on the type of test. Determination of the FLCs was carried out following the mathematical calculations indicated in the ISO 12004 standard and was also compared with an alternative mathematical method, which showed different FLCs. Finally, the tests were verified by comparing the strain paths of the Nakajima and Marciniak tests with a well-known mild steel.