Micromechanical Modelling of the Cyclic Deformation Behavior of Martensitic SAE 4150—A Comparison of Different Kinematic Hardening Models

A fundamental prerequisite for the micromechanical simulation of fatigue is the appropriate modelling of the effective cyclic properties of the considered material. Therefore, kinematic hardening formulations on the slip system level are of crucial importance due to their fundamental relevance in cyclic material modelling. The focus of this study is the comparison of three different kinematic hardening models (Armstrong Frederick, Chaboche, and Ohno–Wang). In this work, investigations are performed on the modelling and prediction of the cyclic stress-strain behavior of the martensitic high-strength steel SAE 4150 for two different total strain ratios (R ε = −1 and R ε = 0). In the first step, a three-dimensional martensitic microstructure model is developed by using multiscale Voronoi tessellations. Based on this martensitic representative volume element, micromechanical simulations are performed by a crystal plasticity finite element model. For the constitutive model calibration, a new multi-objective calibration procedure incorporating a sensitivity analysis as well as an evolutionary algorithm is presented. The numerical results of different kinematic hardening models are compared to experimental data with respect to the appropriate modelling of the Bauschinger effect and the mean stress relaxation behavior at R ε = 0. It is concluded that the Ohno–Wang model is superior to the Armstrong Frederick and Chaboche kinematic hardening model at R ε = −1 as well as at R ε = 0.

Optimising the multiplicative AF model parameters for AA7075 cyclic plasticity and fatigue simulation

Purpose This study presents the improvements of the multicomponent Armstrong–Frederick model with multiplier (MAFM) performance through a numerical optimisation methodology available in a commercial software. Moreover, this study explores the application of a multiobjective optimisation technique for the determination of the parameters of the constitutive models using uniaxial experimental data gathered from aluminium alloy 7075-T6 specimens. This approach aims to improve the overall accuracy of stress–strain response, for not only symmetric strain-controlled loading but also asymmetrically strain- and stress-controlled loading. Design/methodology/approach Experimental data from stress- and strain-controlled symmetric and asymmetric cyclic loadings have been used for this purpose. The analysis of the influence of the parameters on simulation accuracy has led to an adjustment scheme that can be used for focused optimisation of the MAFM model performance. The method was successfully used to provide a better understanding of the influence of each model parameter on the overall simulation accuracy. Findings The optimisation identified an important issue associated with competing ratcheting and mean stress relaxation objectives, highlighting the issues with arriving at a parameter set that can simulate ratcheting and mean stress relaxation for load cases not reaching at complete relaxation. Practical implications The study uses a strain-life fatigue application to demonstrate the importance of incorporating a technique such as the presented multiobjective optimisation method to arrive at robust parameters capable of accurately simulating a variety of transient cyclic phenomena. Originality/value The proposed methodology improves the accuracy of cyclic plasticity phenomena and strain-life fatigue simulations for engineering applications. This study is considered a valuable contribution for the engineering community, as it can act as starting point for further exploration of the benefits that can be obtained through material parameter optimisation methodologies for models of the MAFM class.