Characterization of mechanically sheared edges of dual phase steels

► Mechanically sheared edges of three advanced high strength dual phase steels (DP600, DP780 and DP980), with different punch-die clearances (5%t, 10%t, and 15%t) and shear line orientations (RD and TD) are characterized by metallurgical examination with optical and scanning electron microscopy. ► A factorial analysis is provided to quantify the process parameters on sheared edge profiles, and general trends of the effect on four edge zones are described. ► A new method on shear zone strain field measurement is developed based on measurement of metal flow line tilting angle and Lagrangian large strain formulation. ► A procedure of sheared edge characterization has been developed, to be used for further analysis and prediction of edge stretch cracking.