Constitutive modeling of AZ31 sheet alloy with application to axial crushing

In this paper an anisotropic model that accounts for the anisotropy and strong tension–compression asymmetry observed in AZ31 magnesium sheet is presented. Key in the formulation is the incorporation of distortional hardening, and consequently modeling of the effects of evolving anisotropy and evolving tension–compression asymmetry on the macroscopic response. Furthermore, application of the model to the simulation of axial crushing of a tube made of the same material reveals that strong differences between the response of AZ31 magnesium and that of usual steel qualities and aluminum should be expected.