Due to the ongoing miniaturization in microelectronics, the influence of dimensional constraining effects on the strength of solder joints becomes increasingly important. Detailed investigations show a strong dependence of tensile strength and ductility on solder geometry. This paper focuses on FEM simulations of the thickness effect of Sn-3.5Ag solder gaps under tensile load. Solder joints and copper base material are simulated with an elasto-plastic material model in the framework of von

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... plasticity. Within the solder material a pronounced triaxiality of stress is observed. In consequence, the von Mises stress inside the solder material is considerably smaller than the longitudinal stress along the tensile axis. This leads to increased tensile strength of thin solder joints. However, the increase of strength also depends on the yield stress of the copper base material. The FEM simulations were compared with experimental results of tensile tests and satisfactory coincidence was found. The remaining deviation between experiment and simulation is explained by pressure dependency of the flow stress. In conclusion, a new pressure dependent plasticity model is suggested.