Towards a micromechanics-based modelling of damage development during the forming of food-can lids

Building on the local approach to fracture, a framework for finite element simulations of damage development during metal forming is presented. Its application to the fabrication of a food-can lid demonstrates the capabilities, but also the limitations of the framework. One such limitation, the phenomenological basis on which the damage evolution laws are formulated, is subsequently addressed by studying the micromechanics of the underlying damage mechanism – micro-void-growth. Finite element studies illustrate the relevant phenomena and are subsequently used to calibrate evolution laws which are based on understanding of these phenomena. The paper closes with directions for future developments.