Size effects from grain statistics in ultra-thin metal sheets

This paper deals with the simulation of the mechanical response of ultra-thin ductile metal sheets. The basic theory used for the analysis is rate-dependent single crystal plasticity. The associated algorithms are implemented into a Finite Element code and a procedure for the realization of the discretization is proposed. A uniaxial tensile test and a three-point bending test are computationally evaluated. Supported by simulations, the effect of the number of surface grains over the total number of grains is investigated. The numerical results demonstrate the reliability of the procedure and its capability to predict the variation of the mechanical overall properties with changing grain size or sheet thickness.