An analysis of the formability of aluminum/copper clad metals with different thicknesses by the finite element method and experiment

Abstract

In this research, the possibility of applying forming limit diagrams to the formability and fracture prediction of clad metal sheets is examined. The forming limits of clad metal sheets with different thickness combinations (e.g., A1050 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm/C1100 1.0 mm) are investigated via forming limits test (punch stretching tests). The true stress-strain curves of Al/Cu clad metal sheets are obtained through tensile tests. Using the experimental forming limit diagrams and the stress-strain curves, the fracture prediction of clad metal sheets are simulated by finite element analysis. Moreover, deep drawing tests are carried out to compare the experimental with the numerical results. These results can verify the accuracy of finite element model. Finally, significant differences in formability are found, and comparisons of the fracture prediction of clad metals with different initial thickness ratios are analyzed both numerically and experimentally.