Effects of crystal orientation on bendability of aluminum alloy sheet

We investigated the effects of crystal orientation on the bendability of aluminum alloy sheets by experiments using single crystal specimens and finite element analysis using a crystal plasticity model. In the experimental investigation, single crystal specimens having cube and Goss orientations were made from a coarse-grained Al–Mg–Si alloy sheet. The cube single crystal specimens have shown an excellent bendability regardless of the bending direction. Meanwhile, the bendability of the Goss single crystal specimens strongly depended on the bending direction. The finite element analysis results are remarkably consistent with the experimental results.

Research highlights
► The bending tests using single crystal specimens in Al–Mg–Si alloy sheets and finite element analysis using a crystal plasticity model.
► The cube single crystal specimens showed an excellent bendability regardless of the bending direction.
► The Goss single crystal specimens strongly depended on the bending direction.
► The finite element analysis results are remarkably consistent with the experimental results.