Hole-expansion formability of dual-phase steels using representative volume element approach with boundary-smoothing technique

A qualitative analysis was carried out on the formability of dual-phase (DP) steels by introducing a realistic microstructure-based finite element approach. The present microstructure-based model was constructed using a mesh generation process with a boundary-smoothing algorithm after proper image processing. The developed model was applied to hole-expansion formability tests for DP steel sheets having different volume fractions and morphological features. On the basis of the microstructural inhomogeneity observed in the scanning electron micrographs of the DP steel sheets, it was inferred that the localized plastic deformation in the ferritic phase might be closely related to the macroscopic formability of DP steel. The experimentally observed difference between the hole-expansion formability of two different microstructures was reasonably explained by using the present finite element model.

Research highlights▶ Robust microstructure-based FE mesh generation technique was developed. ▶ Local deformation behavior near phase boundaries could be quantitatively understood. ▶ Macroscopic failure could be connected to microscopic deformation behavior of multi-phase steel.