Formability of aluminum 1050A at high temperatures: Numerical modeling and experimental validation

Abstract The sheet metals are prone to large plastic deformation during forming processes. The study purpose is to investigate 1050A aluminum sheets thermomechanical behavior with ductile damage. A modified Swift model coupled to isotropic ductile damage and thermal effects was used. The forming parameters are introduced using Swift model coefficients and Erichsen index. An inverse identification procedure is applied to non-homogeneous Erichsen test results. Bulge test is then used to validate the identified parameters. Erichsen test (Punch force vs displacement) results were obtained by experimental testing and simulation to build the objective function. Aluminum 1050A plasticity flow parameters and ductile damage variables were identified using a part of Erichsen test results. The remaining part of Erichsen test and bulge test results were used for validation. The numerical approach allowed the detection of failure zones with respect to thermal gradient induced by heat exchange. Within the isothermal condition, equivalent stresses and strains for 1050A Aluminum were obtained by simulations and experimental data.