Interaction between anisotropic plastic deformation and damage evolution in Al 2198 sheet metal

Deformation anisotropy of sheet aluminium alloy 2198 (Al–Cu–Li) has been investigated by means of mechanical testing of notched specimens and Kahn-type fracture specimens, loaded in the rolling direction (L) or in the transverse direction (T). Fracture mechanisms were investigated via scanning electron microscopy. Contributions to failure are identified as growth of initial voids accompanied by a significant nucleation of a second population of cavities and transgranular failure. A model based on the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) approach of porous metal plasticity incorporating isotropic voids, direction-dependent void growth, void nucleation at a second population of inclusions and triaxiality-dependent void coalescence has been used to predict the mechanical response of test samples. The model parameters have been calibrated by means of 3D unit cell simulations, revealing the interaction between the plastic anisotropy of the matrix material and void growth. The model has been successfully used to describe and predict direction-dependent deformation behaviour, crack propagation and, in particular, toughness anisotropy.