Fundamental aspect of stretch-flangeability of sheet metals

Abstract

Stretch-flangeability of sheet metal is normally represented by hole expansion ratio. Hole expansion ratio cannot be determined from uniaxial tensile test though uniaxial tensile deformation occurs at the hole’s edge, because of fundamental difference in deformation and damage processes present between hole expansion test and uniaxial tensile test. It is proposed that only localized necking is observed in hole expansion test; however, diffuse necking followed by localized necking is observed in uniaxial tensile test of sheet metal. It is noticed that the hole expansion ratio is marginally higher than maximum diffuse neck strain determined from uniaxial tensile test with local strain measurement by digital image correlation technique. The absence of diffuse neck in hole expansion test with defect-free central hole (i.e. electrical discharge machined hole) results far higher hole expansion ratio than uniform elongation of the material.