Modeling of anisotropic deformation in superplastic sheet metal stretching

Currently available models describing superplastic deformation are mostly based on uniaxial tensile test data and assume isotropic behavior, thus leading to limited predictive capabilities of material deformation and failure. In this work we present a multi-axial microstructure-based constitutive model that describes the anisotropic superplastic deformation within the continuum theory of viscoplasticity with internal variables. The model accounts for micro structural evolution and employs a generalized anisotropic dynamic yield function. The anisotropic yield function can describe the evolution of the initial state of anisotropy through the evolution of unit vectors defining the direction of anisotropy during deformation. The generalized model is then reduced to the plane stress condition to simulate sheet metal stretching in superplastic blow forming using pressurized gas. Different ratios of biaxial stretching were investigated, including the case simulating the uniaxial loading condition, where the model successfully captured the uniaxial experimental data. The model is also used to develop a new forming pressure profile that accounts for anisotropy and microstructural evolution.