Finite element analysis using elasto-visco-plastic self-consistent polycrystal model for E-form Mg sheet subjected to bending

The mechanical behavior of a magnesium alloy E-form under bending was investigated using the elasto-visco-plastic polycrystal model (ΔEVPSC) and its finite element (FE) implementation (ΔEVPSC-FE) developed in Jeong et al. and Jeong and Tomé. The crystallographic orientation distribution (COD) obtained from X-ray diffraction was used to represent the initial texture, and the Voce hardening parameters were calibrated by fitting the uniaxial tension and the compression flow stress curves. A quasi-static FE analysis of a miniaturized V-bending operation was conducted using the ΔEVPSC-FE model. The bending induced an inhomogeneous stress response along the through-thickness and the lateral directions, which was well captured by the model. Moreover, the predictive capability of the model was validated by comparing with various experimental results such as (1) force vs. displacement curves; (2) the through-thickness variations in the twin volume fraction; and (3) the changes in crystallographic texture as a function of displacement. Additional bending simulation was performed using an isotropic texture, the result of which suggests that the potential improvement in bendability of the magnesium alloy is attainable by weakening the initial texture. Moreover, the simulation results imply that the crystallographic texture, which may affect the twin activation across the thickness direction, plays a significant role in the shifting direction of the neutral layer.