A generalized, computationally versatile plasticity model framework - Part II: Theory and verification focusing on shear anisotropy

Shear-dominated deformation (SHDD) is pivotal in sheet metal forming; however, comprehensive modeling of plastic anisotropy in SHDD, specifically shear anisotropy considering both yield stress and plastic flow, has been inadequately addressed in existing literature. In this work, a generalized constitutive framework is introduced on the basis of stress triaxiality-dependent state variable to accurately emulate plastic anisotropy and the physics-based shear constraint in SHDD. The framework is capable to seamlessly integrate with existing yield criteria, preserving computational efficiency and versatility. Notably, the yield function, anisotropic parameters, and their optimization or analytical determination for the non-shear deformation state remain unaltered. When integrated with the Hill48 yield function, featuring either one or two anisotropic parameters within the generalized constitutive framework, precise characterization of yield strength and plastic flow in SHDD is achieved. The applicability of the framework extends to various anisotropic yield functions such as the widely employed Yld2k-2d and the sixth-order polynomial (Poly6) function as a class of associated flow rule-based yield functions, and one non-quadratic yield function for non-associated flow rule scenarios. Experimental validation with two engineering sheet metals, high-strength dual-phase steel DP980 and high-strength aluminum alloy AA7075-T6, was conducted. Comparative analyses with several recently proposed yield criteria, especially Poly6–18p, highlighted the efficiency of the proposed constitutive framework. Furthermore, this study explores intrinsic shear constraints, particularly the absence of through-thickness strains under in-plane shear stress. Additionally, it offers an enhanced description of plastic anisotropy in shear yield stress within the general framework, providing valuable insights into the complexities of SHDD.