An Investigation on Various Types of Finite Element Micromechanical Models on Uniaxial Tensile Test for Dual Phase Steel

Abstract Finite element (FE) micromechanical models have been extensively used to capture the overall mechanical properties of inhomogeneous materials using information from the microscale phase material. In general, there are three different categories of micromechanical models that use discrete microstructure: periodic model, windowing approach, and embedding technique. Each model has its own advantages and limitations. However, understanding the operating boundaries is critical for selecting the different micromechanical approaches. The objective of this article was to investigate various FE periodical micromechanical models and examine their distinct behaviors, with the aim of analyzing the underlying reasons for such variations. The deformation of dual-phase (DP) steel under uniaxial configuration was used in this research. A thorough comprehensive analysis was carried out to examine the difference between 2D and 3D models while incorporating various element types and geometries. Following from here, a detailed comparison contrasts modeled data with experimental findings across stress–strain curves, strain partitioning behavior, and strain distribution, examining model behavior against established definitions of uniaxial tensile stress conditions. The insights gained from this fundamental exploration are important to the advancement of the iterative methodology beyond the necking zone of tensile stress-flow curves. Results showed that the modeled principal stresses in existing 2D models utilizing plane stress and plane strain conditions fail to meet the criteria of a uniaxial tensile test stress state. Both the 3D micromechanical model and the 2D unit cell model with axisymmetric elements simulated stress states that were consistent with the condition of uniaxial tensile tests.