The development of a computer software system for the prediction of formability parameters of sheet metals form X-ray diffraction data

A computer software for the prediction of formability parameters of sheet metals from X-ray diffraction data has been developed. There are two functional parts in the software system. One of them is to complete the calculation and analysis of the crystallographic texture, and the another is to predict the formability parameters such as the plastic strain ratios, yield loci and Taylor factor from the experimental textures. A new algorithm using Fast Fourier Transform to calculate the crystallite orientation distribution function is used, and the volume fraction of texture components are determined automatically. A conception of cubic equivalent spreading width is proposed to describe the degree of texture spreading and is used for the prediction of the plastic anisotropy of sheet metals. The prediction results agree well with experimental data obtained from an AlCu alloy. The software will be useful for engineers in the quality control and testing of sheet metals in industry.