Optimisation of Cruciform Test Specimen for Biaxial Tensile Testing of Sheet Metal

One of the most restricting aspects of the biaxial tensile test for sheet metal is the design of the cruciform specimen. Although specimens of the cruciform type have previoussly been investigated quite extensively, no standard geometry for the cruciform specimen exists. Using a specifically designed pantograph apparatus for operation in a standard tensile testing machine, various cruciform specimens were analysed experimentally. Finite element modelling of the specimens was also conducted to establish optimum specimen geometry. Through a process of optimisation, a standard cruciform specimen was designed which can be used to accurately predict the mechanical behaviour of cold rolled low-carbon steel when formed in multiple directions simultaneously.