Experimental and simulation studies of springback in rubber forming using aluminium sheet straight flanging process

Rubber forming is very widely used in aircraft manufacturing. Springback of rubber forming process is an important and decisive parameter in obtaining the desired geometry of the part and design of the corresponding tooling. In this research, the rubber forming of aluminium sheet was conducted. To investigate the springback, the straight flanging was employed in die design. The deformation process was studied by preparing the sheets with different thicknesses and different die radii. The influence of process parameters (time and pressure) on the rubber forming process was studied. Based on the analysis of experimental results, it was found that springback of straight angle decreased with the increase of blank thickness t, whilst increased with the increase of the die radius r. The springback can be eliminated with the bending ratio r/t < 2. The increase of forming pressure and time of rubber forming had little effect on the springback when the blank coincided with the die face. Springback of flanging in rubber forming process was smaller than that of stamping. In the jogged flanging, a better shape was formed by using the polyurethane.     

Thinning as a failure criterion during sheet metal forming

Thinning during forming is often considered a failure criterion in the metal forming industry. It is believed that a critical amount of thinning takes place in a sheet metal before failure. In this study, varying widths of low-carbon steel sheets were punch stretched under laboratory conditions. Thinning during punch stretching was measured at various locations along the steel sheets. These measurements demonstrated that thinning during forming is not constant, but that it is a function of the strain path followed by the sheet. Hence, thinning should not be used as a failure criterion during forming of sheet metals.     

Fracture mechanism of Mg–3Al–1Zn sheet at the biaxial state with respect to forming temperatures

Magnesium (Mg) sheet has been of great interest in automobile industries to make a light-weight design although it has low formability at the room temperature compared with steel sheets. It is required to elevate forming temperature to enhance the formability of Mg sheet, which enables increase of active slip systems in Hexagonal close packed (HCP) crystal structure. This paper demonstrates the effect of forming temperature on the formability of Mg–3Al–1Zn sheet, which is evaluated by the Limit Dome Height (LDH) test at temperature of 423 K, 523 K, and room temperature. The variation of dome heights depending on the forming temperature has been investigated to stand for its formability, and punch stroke and loads have been compared with each other. It has been tried to correlate the fracture mechanism with formability of AZ31 sheet with respect to the forming temperature by investigating the fracture surfaces with optical microscopy (OM) and orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) analyses.     

An experimental investigation into the warm deep-drawing process on laminated sheets under various grain sizes

It has been proved by many researchers that increasing the temperature in warm deep-drawing process of single layer sheets decreases the forming load, however, this phenomenon is not necessarily the case in warm deep-drawing process of laminate sheet. The objective of the present paper is to carry out a comprehensive investigation on warm deep-drawing process on laminated sheets experimentally. Based on the results of this study, it can be observed that by raising the temperature, variation of forming load more depends on blank holder force (BHF). In this study, thinning and wrinkling in Al 1050/St 304 and Al 5052/St 304 samples for each layer in warm deep-drawing process are evaluated individually. In addition, the effects of various grain sizes, blank temperatures and sequence layer on forming load are investigated. In order to carry out a comprehensive survey of warm deep-drawing; three blank temperatures namely, 25 °C, 100 °C and 160 °C are examined. Furthermore, to achieve various grain sizes, the aluminum sheets are annealed at 350 °C, 400 °C and 450 °C for 1 h. Finally, several tests are conducted to obtain the influences of grain size on some material characteristics such as stress, elongation and friction coefficient.     

Experimental investigation and finite element modeling on profile forming of conical component using Al 3003(O) alloy

Profile forming of sheet metal is a special technique that offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the metal forming process, requiring no high capacity presses or set of dies, thus meeting the ever increasing demand for small batch production and rapid prototyping. This paper demonstrates the formation of sheet metal part using the CNC controlled hemispherical tool and analyses the various parameters underlying this mechanism – like maximum wall angle, surface roughness (Ra) and thinning of sheet. Analysis of the microstructure is carried out using Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis test. In this study, Aluminum sheet of grade Al 3003(O) with 1 mm and 1.25 mm thickness is used as a work piece. The paper also presents an explicit numerical simulation using the standard finite element code ABAQUS and the experimental and numerical results are validated.     

铝/钢薄板无铆连接接头成形过程及形貌控制

目的 研究铝/钢薄板无铆连接过程中接头形貌的影响因素。方法 采用有限元模拟方法分析了铝/钢薄板在平底模具下接头形貌的成形过程。结合变形区域的金属流动情况,解释了互锁结构的形成机理,并分析了不同工艺参数对接头形貌的影响。结果 接头互锁结构主要是依靠铝板填充钢板的凹陷部位而形成的,抑制钢板与模具接触一侧的金属流动有助于接头底部和侧壁的钢板拉薄,进而形成内部凹陷,促进互锁结构的形成。摩擦因数对接头形貌参数影响较大,增大摩擦因数可显著提高接头的互锁量。结论 冲头半径、冲头圆角、凹模深度以及摩擦因数对颈厚值和互锁量均有显著影响。通过控制这些影响因素,可以得到良好的接头。此外,接头的失效形式以铝板颈厚较薄处的剪断失效为主,因此对于采用铝上钢下的无铆连接,保证颈厚值相对于互锁量更加重要。     

Achieving a weak basal texture in a Mg–6Al–3Sn alloy by wave-shaped die rolling

An innovative rolling approach was proposed to achieve weak basal texture in rolled Mg alloy sheets, by laying a wave-shaped die during rolling. It was shown that, Mg–6Al–3Sn (AT63) alloy sheets processed by this wave-shaped die rolling (labeled as WDR) exhibited basal textures with low intensity and tilted basal peak. A substantial basal texture weakening was found to occur during WDR after a single pass. Moreover, the WDRed alloy sheets exhibited basal texture gradients through the center to the surface, reflecting the asymmetric deformation mode of the sheets during rolling. In addition, WDR was effective to refine the grain size of AT63 alloy, from ~ 35 μm to ~ 10.3–11.5 μm. Tensile tests revealed that, the WDRed AT63 sheets presented much enhanced strain hardening ability (n = 0.295) and high elongation to failure (ε_f = 22.5%), as compared with the equivalent AT63 sheet rolled without wave-shaped die.     

6061铝合金飞机溢油口拉深成形研究

目的 掌握深腔薄壁溢油口拉深成形工艺,解决拉深成形过程中起皱和破裂问题,研究各参数对拉深成形的影响规律,最终成形出合格产品。方法 以6061铝合金飞机溢油口为主要研究对象,采用Dynaform有限元数值模拟软件建立有限元模型,分析成对拉深成形对材料流动的影响并与单一拉深成形进行对比,通过改变毛坯外形尺寸、凹凸模间隙和压边力等参数进行拉深成形模拟试验研究,最终通过拉深成形试验验证成形方法及各参数设置的合理性。结果 成对拉深成形能限制单一拉深成形圆弧开口位置材料收缩,改善开口处起皱和变形缺料的现象。随着凹凸模间隙的增大,最大减薄率逐渐降低而后升高,最佳成形凹凸模间隙为1.05t;随着压边力的增大,最大减薄率逐渐升高,最大增厚率逐渐降低,最佳成形压边力为50 kN;凹模圆角半径小于7 mm 时,板料最大减薄率逐渐减小,半径为4 mm时,最大减薄率下降最快,半径在7~8 mm范围内,板料最大减薄率趋于平稳,最佳成形凹模圆角半径为7 mm。结论 模拟得到了毛坯外形尺寸、凹凸模间隙和压边力等参数对拉深成形的影响规律,最终制造出了满足设计要求的产品,验证了各参数设置的合理性。     

Investigating effects of process parameters on microstructural and mechanical properties of Al5052/SiC metal matrix composite fabricated via friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) is a novel process for refinement of microstructure, improvement of material’s mechanical properties and production of surface layer composites. In this investigation via friction stir processing, metal matrix composite (MMC) was fabricated on surface of 5052 aluminum sheets by means of 5 μm and 50 nm SiC particles. Influence of tool rotational speed, traverse speed, number of FSP passes, shift of rotational direction between passes and particle size was studied on distribution of SiC particles in metal matrix, microstructure, microhardness and wear properties of specimens. Optimum of tool rotational and traverse speed for achieving desired powder dispersion in MMC was found. Results show that change of tool rotational direction between FSP passes, increase in number of passes and decrease of SiC particles size enhance hardness and wear properties.     

Effect of a ductility layer on the tensile strength of TiAl-based multilayer composite sheets prepared by EB-PVD

TiAl/Nb and TiAl/NiCoCrAl laminate composite sheets with a thickness of 0.4–0.6 mm and dimensions of 150 mm × 100 mm were successfully fabricated by electron beam physical vapor deposition. The microstructures of the sheets were examined, and their mechanical properties were compared with those of TiAl monolithic sheet produced by electron beam physical vapor deposition. Tensile testing was performed at room temperature and 750 °C, and the fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Among the three microlaminate sheets, the TiAl/NiCoCrAl micro-laminate sheet had the best comprehensive properties at room temperature, and the TiAl/Nb micro-laminate sheet showed the ideal high-temperature strength and plasticity at 750 °C. The result was discussed in terms of metal strengthening mechanism.     

Finite element modelling and experimental investigation of single point incremental forming process of aluminum sheets: influence of process parameters on punch force monitoring and on mechanical and geometrical quality of parts

New trends in sheet metal forming are rapidly developing and several new forming processes have been proposed to accomplish the goals of flexibility and cost reduction. Among them, Incremental CNC sheet forming operations (ISF) are a relatively new sheet metal forming processes for small batch production and prototyping. In single point incremental forming (SPIF), the final shape of the component is obtained by the CNC relative movements of a simple and small punch which deform a clamped blank into the desired shape and which appear quite promising. No other dies are required than the ones used in any conventional sheet metal forming processes. As it is well known, the design of a mechanical component requires some decisions about the mechanical resistance and geometrical quality of the parts and the product has to be manufactured with a careful definition of the process set up. The use of computers in manufacturing has enabled the development of several new sheet metal forming processes, which are based upon older technologies. Although standard sheet metal forming processes are strongly controlled, new processes like single point incremental sheet forming can be improved. The SPIF concept allows to increase flexibility and to reduce set up costs. Such a process has a negative effect on the shape accuracy by initiating undesired rigid movement and sheet thinning. In the paper, the applicability of the numerical technique and the experimental test program to incremental forming of sheet metal is examined. Concerning the numerical simulation, a static implicit finite element code ABAQUS/Standard is used. These two techniques emphasize the necessity to control some process parameters to improve the final product quality. The reported approaches were mainly focused on the influence of four process parameters on the punch force trends generated in this forming process, the thickness and the equivalent plastic deformation distribution within the whole volume of the workpiece: the initial sheet thickness, the wall angle, the workpiece geometry and the nature of tool path contours controlled through CNC programming. The tool forces required to deform plastically the sheet around the contact area are discussed. The effect of the blank thickness and the tool path on the punch load and the deformation behaviour is also examined with respect to several tool paths. Furthermore, the force acting on the traveling tool is also evaluated. Similar to the sheet thickness, the effect of wall angle and part geometry on the load evolution, the distribution of calculated equivalent plastic strain and the variation of sheet thickness strain are also discussed. Experimental and numerical results obtained allow having a better knowledge of mechanical and geometrical responses from different parts manufactured by SPIF with the aim to improve their accuracy. It is also concluded that the numerical simulation might be exploited for optimization of the incremental forming process of sheet metal.     

Numerical and experimental investigation of the deformation behavior during the accumulative back extrusion of an AZ91 magnesium alloy

In the present study, the finite element method (FEM) and an experimental investigation were performed during the accumulative back extrusion (ABE) processing of an AZ91 magnesium alloy in order to investigate the effects of the deformation ratio (= inner punch diameter/outer punch diameter) and die stroke (DS) on the plastic deformation behavior. The results showed that increasing the deformation ratio and DS led to better deformation homogeneity and more plastic strains. There are two distinct regions in the ABE processed samples containing low and high plastic strain areas and the metallurgical investigations showed that more grain refinement with a mean grain size of 1.5 μm takes place in high strain regions while the grain sizes are larger in other regions. A comparison between the FEM and experimental results of the required loads and developed microstructures showed good agreement.     

Analyses of the failures on shear cutting blades after trimming of ultra high-strength steel

Damages on shear cutting blades were analyzed after 50,000 strokes of trimming on an ultra high-strength steel sheet. Traditional D2 alloy and an advanced one (Cr08H) based on the composition of 1C-8Cr were quenched from 1030 °C, tempered at 180 °C and submitted to the shear cutting test. Cr08H had lower hardness, a smaller volume fraction of M₇C₃ carbides while it contained a larger volume fraction of retained austenite. And these resulted in more scratches and rounded edges because of degraded resistance to wear and local plastic deformation. In spite of higher impact toughness, Cr08H exhibited inferior resistance to chipping which was the consequence of localized brittle fracture. It could be concluded that this was caused by more transformation of austenite as well as by insufficiently hardened matrix, both of which were attributed to inappropriate conditions of the heat treatment.     

Dry forming of aluminum alloys – Wear mechanisms and influencing factors

Tribological contacts in sheet metal forming are accompanied by several wear phenomena. One of which is the transfer of material from the softer sheet material to the harder tool surface, namely adhesive wear. Forming of aluminum alloys makes high demands on forming processes. Aluminum alloys show a strong tendency of adhesion on common tool materials. Adhesions on tools reduce the surface quality, the dimensional accuracy of the parts and the process stability. In order to avoid adhesive wear during forming, nowadays a high amount of lubricant is applied to the aluminum sheets. Though economically and ecologically attractive, dry forming processes with aluminum sheets seem not to be possible. In order to develop advantageous tribological systems a comprehensive understanding of the acting mechanisms is necessary. This paper discusses the influence of the alloy composition and the influence of oxide layers on the adhesive wear in aluminum forming.     

Reproducing the experimental pull-out and shear strength of clinched sheet metal connections using FEA

Clinching, commonly referred to as press-joining, is a mechanical joining technique which involves severe local plastic deformation of two or more sheet metal parts resulting in a permanent mechanical interlock or joint. This interlock is achieved by using simple tools like a die, a punch and a blank holder. Since no additional elements are used, the strength of the clinched connection is entirely determined by the clinch geometry, and, consequently, by the geometry of die and punch. As a result, for each combination of material and sheet thickness an optimal geometry of the tools can be derived. This can be done either through extensive experimental testing or, more cost-effectively, with the aid of numerical simulations. However, for these results to be useful they have to be able to reproduce the experimental strength of the connection. In this paper we investigate the possibility of predicting the shear and pull-out strength of a clinched sheet metal assembly using FEA. Numerical difficulties associated with these simulations and the preceding forming operation are discussed. A comparison between experimental data and simulation is provided.     

Analysis and Experiment on Incremental Forming Process for the Spiral Plate of Continuous Screw Conveyer

An incremental press-forming method was newly developed for the fabrication of spiral plates of a continuous screw conveyer, boring screw, screw pump and so on. In this method, a pair of V-shaped punches and dies with two opposite inclined edges are used instead of punch and die with spiral surfaces. The experiments on incremental forming were carried out on aluminum alloy and steel disks with a hole and a slit, and the deformation process of the plate during and after the press-forming was simulated by a finite element method (FEM). The press-forming shows that the spiral plate has a correct shape and smooth surface, i. e. the gradient of the surface along the internal, central, and external spiral curves of the deformed disk is constant. In addition, the spiral pitch and the amount of spring back obtained by the FEM simulation agree well with the experimental values for the different die or punch angles, the disk thicknesses and the disk materials. The FEM calculation also indicates that the equivalent stress during the press forming as well as the residual stress after the spring back takes a maximum value at an internal diameter position where the die or punch makes first contact to the disk.     

Forming performance and biodegradability of woodfibre–Biopol™ composites

A Taguchi approach to experimental design has been used to analyse the hotpressing and vee-bending of woodfibre–Biopol™ composites. Analysis of the hotpressing process clearly shows that platen temperature is the parameter with the most influence on tensile performance of the composite sheet produced. In bending (a common manufacturing situation), geometric conformance is maximised when forming time is 60 s, forming rate is 250 mm/min and forming radius/thickness ratio is 2 for the composite sheets studied in this paper. A study of the influence of fibre volume fraction on the biodegradability of these sheets show that these composites are highly biodegradable, often degrading at a rate greater than that of pure Biopol™. The results also suggest that a woodfibre mass fraction of ∼15% maximises the degradation of the woodfibre–Biopol™ composites.     

Effect of bulge shape on wrinkling formation and strength of stainless steel thin sheet

Embossing and restoration is a simple method to increase the strength of thin sheet metals by creating concentric pattern of wrinkles onto thin sheet-metal plates. SUS304 stainless steel sheets of 0.4 mm thickness were experimentally bulged using hemispherical punches, and then compressed between two flat platens of a testing machine to produce the wrinkles. The process simulation was carried out using finite element method to investigate the effect of bulge shape and height on the wrinkling formation and sheet strength. Thickening of the plate was observed during the compression step and after the thinning that is occurred during the bulging step. Different restoration patterns were observed as bulge height increases. Also, the number of wrinkles within a pattern and its distribution throughout the plate were depending upon the bulged shape. The pressure bearing capacity of the compressed part rapidly accelerates with the increase of wrinkles inclusion. Virtual deflection tests were carried also out using the finite element method (FEM) to evaluate the effect of the wrinkles pattern on the thin plate rigidity or strength. The results showed that the technique is effective in enhancing the strength, the flexural deflection and reducing the failure risk of thin sheet metals parts. This can contribute in the weight reduction of sheet metal parts. The observed patterns can be utilized in sheet decoration.     

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of backward thixoextruded 7075 aluminum alloy

The present work deals with the microstructure evolution of 7075 aluminum alloy which has been backward thixoextruded in the temperature range of 550–600 °C using different ram diameters and ram displacement velocities. The recrystallization and partial melting (RAP) route has been used to obtain the semi-solid feedstocks for thixoforming. The results indicate that the back extruded microstructures mostly consist of semisolid grains which have been elongated along extrusion direction. The finest semisolid grain size has been obtained at lower deformation temperature and higher equivalent strain. This is attributed to the higher imposed shearing force on the liquid phase which could in turn fragment the grains. The current work also explores the room temperature mechanical properties of thixoformed work-pieces using shear punch testing method. It is found that the room temperature shear strength and ductility values have been substantially influenced by the deformation temperature, ram displacement velocity, and ram diameter.     

Diaphragm forming of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics: influence of temperature,pressure and forming velocity on the forming of Upilex-R® diaphragms

In the diaphragm forming process, the thermoplastic composite sheet is clamped between two high temperature thermoplastic diaphragms. In the present study, the influence of temperature, pressure and forming rate on the deformation of high temperature PI diaphragms (Upilex-R^®, Ube Industries) is described. At temperatures below 275 °C the upper diaphragm slides over the bottom diaphragm and shows a more global deformation, above 305 °C, the upper diaphragm cannot slide over the bottom diaphragm and deforms in the same manner. The region 275–305 °C is a kind of transition region between the previous two temperature ranges. A hydrostatic pressure of 1 bar turned out to be sufficient to deform the diaphragms, therefore, no influence of pressure was observed. The deformation of the bottom diaphragm is independent of forming rate, while the upper diaphragm showed some dependence.