Finite element model updating is a powerful technique to inversely identify material behaviour. A profound understanding of plastic anisotropy of sheet metal is crucial in controlling complex sheet forming applications through finite element simulations. In this contribution, a generic stereo finite element model updating approach combining stereo digital image correlation and finite element model updating is described to identify the plastic anisotropy of sheet metal DC06 which is represented by Hill’s 1948 yield criterion. The feasibility of stereo finite element model updating is illustrated by applying the proposed method to an Erichsen bulging test. Additionally, it is found that the unknown friction coefficient between the punch and the sheet can be simultaneously identified. Finally, the reliability of the identified parameters is scrutinized.

The paper shows experimental and numerical analyses of the clinching process of 6xxx series aluminum sheets in T6 condition and the self-pierce riveting process of an aluminum die casting. In the experimental investigations the damage behavior of the materials when using different tool parameters is analyzed. The focus of the numerical investigations is the damage prediction by a comparison of different damage criteria. Moreover, strength-and fatigue tests were carried out to investigate the influence of the joining process-induced damages on the strength properties of the joints.

Finite Element Model Updating (FEMU) is an intuitive inverse technique enabling to efficiently characterize plastic material behavior. Although, conclusive proof of concept for this method can be found in literature, a thorough understanding of the key FEMU-ingredients and their impact on the identification of plastic anisotropy is currently missing. In this paper, we aim at minimizing the experimental work associated with yield locus identification of sheet metal via homogeneous biaxial tensile tests. To this end, a biaxial tension apparatus with link mechanism is used to generate a heterogeneous deformation field within a perforated cruciform specimen. The experimentally measured force and displacement field are used in the FEMU procedure to identify an anisotropic yield criterion. The FEMU approach is assessed by comparing the results with experimental data acquired from state-of-the-art stress-controlled biaxial tensile test in the first quadrant of stress-space.