Numerical Prediction and Experimental Validation of Fracture in Tailor Welded Blanks Using Damage Mechanics

Tailor welded blanks are the blanks made of one material with two different thicknesses or two various materials which are joined together by welding process. Due to the wide application of these blanks، prediction of their formability limit is very important. In this investigation، first tensile test is carried out on the steel standard specimen with thicknesses of 0. 8 and 1. 2 millimeter، and tailor welded blank specimen and force-displacement diagram is determined for the standard specimen. Then، forming limit diagram of the tailor welded blank is achieved from performing the Erichsen''s test. Using the above diagram and ductile damage criterion، the standard tensile test، Erichsen''s test، and deep drawing processes are simulated in the ABAQUS/Explicit code and damage evolution، crack onset، and fracture in each processes are predicted. Finally، the numerical simulation results are compared and validated with the practical results.