Abstract:Based on the elastoplastic mechanical properties of the weld and heat affected zone metals obtained by a nanoindentation test, a theoretical calculation model was established for the forming limit diagram (FLD) of tailor-welded blanks (TWBs) on the basis of plastic constitutive relations and Hosford yield criteria. Hemispherical punch bulging tests were performed to verify the FLD theoretical calculation results. The results demonstrated that not only the FLD theoretical calculation of base materials but also that of TWBs had a good agreement with their experiments. Besides, poorer formability of TWBs caused its FLD significantly lower than that of base materials. The theoretical calculation model offers a reliable approach to obtain the specific FLD of TWBs.

Key words: tailor-welded blank; forming limit diagram; nanoindentation test; hemispherical punch bulging test