Modeling of Texture Development during Metal Forming Using Finite Element Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent Model

In directional forming processes, such as rolling and extrusion, the grains can develop preferred crystal orientations. These preferred orientations-the texture-are the main cause for material anisotropy. This anisotropy leads to phenomena such as earing, which occur during further forming processes, e.g., during the deep drawing of sheet metal. Considering anisotropic properties in numerical simulations allows us to investigate the effects of texture-dependent defects in forming processes and the development of possible solutions. Purely phenomenological models for modeling anisotropy work by fitting material parameters or applying measured anisotropy properties to all elements of the part, which remain constant over the duration of the simulation. In contrast, crystal plasticity methods, such as the visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) model, provide a deeper insight into the development of the material microstructure. By experimentally measuring the initial texture and using it as an initial condition for the simulations, it is possible to predict the evolution of the microstructure and the resulting effect on the mechanical properties during forming operations. The results of the simulations with the VPSC model show a good agreement with corresponding compression tests and the earing phenomenon, which is typical for cup deep drawing.