Impact of metallurgical size effects on plasticity of thin metallic materials

Three examples involving size effects are presented witj implications concerning the formability: small Ni-20wt.%Cr resistive bridges, magnetic micro-sensors performed with (Ni,Co,Fe)based alloys and copper clad aluminum thin wires. The mechanical properties are directly linked to the ratio thickness over grain size (t/d ratio) of the parts.These metallurgical considerations must be taken into account when we are concerned by numerical simulation of the process of such components. It is shown that the simulations can correctly reproduce the softening effect linked to a decrease in thickness and in number of grains across the thickness. Finally the effect of a moderate increase in temperature on these results will be briefly reported.