Finite-element modelling of the stretch forming of coated steels

The simulation of stretch forming using the explicit non-linear FE-Code DYNA 3D is reported. FE models concerning forming-limit diagrams and the physical modelling of the process from a macroscopic point of view have been constructed, the theoretical results obtained being compared with the results of experiments carried out on the stretching of four coated sheet steels. For these materials, modelled as isotropic elastic-plastic work-hardening, good agreement between modelling and experiment has been obtained, indicating, therefore, that the proposed FE model predicts FLDs satisfactorily.