Formability simulation of steel-polymer sandwiched composites considering the adhesion strength

Abstract

Developed to increase the energy efficiency of automobiles, steel-polymer sandwiched composites are attracting attention due to their lightweight and multi-functionality and are being actively researched recently. In order to apply those composites to industrial fields, their formability must be investigated in order to prevent the degradation of mechanical properties of the composites during the forming process in various shapes. Therefore, experimental studies have recently been conducted to evaluate the formability of the composites. However, there are few studies to predict the formability of the composites considering the mechanical properties of core polymer and interfacial properties. In this study, formability tests were carried out for evaluating the forming limit diagram of the composites. Also, the formability test of the composites was simulated considering the viscoplastic properties of the core polymer using Arruda-Boyce model and the interfacial properties using the cohesive zone model. Finally, the effect of the interfacial adhesion on the formability of the composites was investigated, from which an optimal condition was explored for the interfacial adhesion strengths that can ensure the formability of the composites for specific applications.