Study on plastic flow localization prediction using a physically-based hardening model

► An advanced model is used to predict the forming limits for DC06 steel sheet. ► The microstructural model of Teodosiu and Hu and YLD2000-2d yield function are selected. ► The influence of microstructural evolutions on the formability is carried out. ► Transient hardening is not main cause of formability evolution under complex loading. ► A geometrical instability controls primarily the plastic flow localization.