Optimum design of forging dies using fuzzy logic in conjunction with the backward deformation method

A novel shape optimization method is presented for the design of preform die shapes in multistage forging processes using a combination of the backward deformation method and a fuzzy decision making algorithm. In the backward deformation method, the final component shape is taken as the starting point, and the die is moved in the reverse direction with boundary nodes being released as the die is raised. The optimum die shape is thereby determined by taking the optimum reverse path. A fuzzy decision making approach is developed to specify new boundary conditions for each backward time increment based on geometrical features and the plastic deformation of the workpiece. In order to demonstrate this approach, a design analysis for an axisymmetric disk forging is presented in this paper.     

Fast 3D inverse simulation of hot forging processes via Medial Axis Transformation: an approach for preform estimation in hot die forging

In hot die forging processes, the selection of an ideal preform is of great importance with respect to cavity filling and mechanical load. The common procedure in order to define an adequate preform is the usage of Finite-Element-Analysis (FEA), usually as an iterative process in which various preforms are tested with regard to their suitability. An approach that aims at reducing the number of trials by proposing a first estimation of a suitable preform is presented in this paper. It is conjectured that the material flow paths and resistance can be described by the cavity shape using the Medial Axis Transformation. Based on this, a local inverse material flow for time discrete steps is calculated. The result is a first estimation of an adequate preform shape within a few minutes as an input for further FEA. FE-based parametric design optimization procedure is then presented and compared to the inverse approach, which is identified as a useful complement for the forward simulation technique.     

Development of a predictive simulation method for thin flash generation in flashless precision forging processes of aluminum parts using FEA and experiments

In this paper, the investigation of thin flash generation in precision forging process of an aluminum long flat part is described. The aim was to derive a predictive simulation method for thin flash generation in order to increase both process and part quality in the future. The forging processes were varied by use of different preforms with equal volumes but different mass distributions while using the same final part geometry. The experimentally forged parts were analyzed concerning the amount and part area of the generated thin flash. The conducted FE simulations were analyzed concerning the hydrostatic pressure values p in the part areas near to the tool gap between upper and lower die immediately before form-filling. For a more detailed comparison, single p values were included to hydrostatic pressure functions P. The comparison between the P functions and the experimentally determined thin flash height shows, that high pressure values as well as high gradients of the P functions indicate less thin flash generation. The method therefore allows a qualitative prediction of thin flash generation. It can provide two kind of information. First: The prediction of the specific locations where thin flash is likely to occur in one final part by use of one single preform. Second: The qualitative prediction of the specific final part areas were thin flash is likely to occur depending on different preform geometries. This method will decreases the necessity of time-consuming forging trials and can shorten the preform designing process in the future.     

单工序锻造过程预制坯多目标优化设计的研究

针对单工序锻造在终锻之前一般都需要以镦粗进行预制坯的实际情况，以刚粘塑性有限元为工具，以获得形状和变形均匀性都较好的终锻件为优化设计目标，以镦粗的压下量为优化设计变量，采用黄金分割法对其预制坯工艺进行了多目标优化设计的研究。并对一轴对称锻件的镦粗压下量进行了优化设计，优化取得了明显的效果。     

Sensitivity analysis based preform die shape design for net-shape forging

A sensitivity analysis method for preform die shape design in net-shape forging processes is developed in this paper using the rigid viscoplastic finite element method. The preform die shapes are represented by cubic B-spline curves. The control points or coefficients of B-spline are used as the design variables. The optimization problem is to minimize the zone where the realized and desired final forging shapes do not coincide. The sensitivities of the objective function, nodal coordinates and nodal velocities with respect to the design variables are developed in detail. A procedure for computing the sensitivities of history-dependent functions is presented. The remeshing procedure and the interpolation/transfer of the history-dependent parameters, such as effective strain, are stated. The procedures of sensitivity analysis based preform die design are also described. In addition, a method for the adjustment of the volume loss resulting from the finite element analysis is given in order to make the workpiece volume consistent in each optimization iteration. The method developed in this paper is used to design the preform die shape of H-shaped forging processes, including plane strain and axisymmetric deformations. The results show that a flashless forging with a complete die fill is realized using the optimized preform die shape.     

Computer-aided preform design in forging of an airfoil section blade

This study attempts to establish systematic procedures for the preform design in forging of an airfoil section blade as a two-dimensional plane-strain problem. Forward loading and backward tracing simulations by the finite element method are used. A circular shape is selected as an original stock, and a side-pressed preform of the circular shape is adopted in view of preliminary simulations using rectangular preforms. The optimal slope angle of the die parting line and the position of the preform within the die, which satisfy the final design condition of flashless forging, are determined from the results of the simulations.     

基于有限元灵敏度分析的锻造成形微观组织优化设计

采用有限元、灵敏度分析与工程优化算法相结合的方法,以能充满型腔且少无飞边的终锻件的晶粒度分布均匀化为目标,以预成形形状为优化对象,对锻造成形过程的微观组织进行了优化设计。采用三次B样条函数描述预成形模具形状,并以B样条函数的控制点坐标为设计变量,给出了锻造过程微观组织演变的模型,建立了衡量锻件充型性能及微观组织分布均匀化的目标函数,推导了目标函数对设计变量的灵敏度,给出了优化设计步骤。并以一典型H型锻件为例,对锻件的微观组织进行了优化,取得了较好的结果。     

基于有限元法的正反向模拟技术在链轨节锻造中的应用

锻造过程的预成形设计是提高锻造质量和降低产品成本的一个极其重要的方面，基于刚一粘塑性有限元法的正反向模拟技术能够从最终的锻件形状直接得出坯料的预成形形状，通过改善设计制坯操作来减少作为飞边的材料浪费。中介绍了覆带链轨节锻造的常规工艺，说明了目前覆带链轨节锻造中存在的问题，阐述了有限元法、预成形设计思想和正反向模拟技术以及它们在覆带链轨节锻造中的应用。     

Sensitivity analysis based preform die shape design using the finite element method

This paper uses a finite element-based sensitivity analysis method to design the preform die shape for metal forming processes. The sensitivity analysis was developed using the rigid visco-plastic finite element method. The preform die shapes are represented by cubic B-spline curves. The control points or coefficients of the B-spline are used as the design variables. The optimization problem is to minimize the difference between the realized and the desired final forging shapes. The sensitivity analysis includes the sensitivities of the objective function, nodal coordinates, and nodal velocities with respect to the design variables. The remeshing procedure and the interpolation/transfer of the history/dependent parameters are considered. An adjustment of the volume loss resulting from the finite element analysis is used to make the workpiece volume consistent in each optimization iteration and improve the optimization convergence. In addition, a technique for dealing with fold-over defects during the forming simulation is employed in order to continue the optimization procedures of the preform die shape design. The method developed in this paper is used to design the preform die shape for both plane strain and axisymmetric deformations with shaped cavities. The analysis shows that satisfactory final forging shapes are obtained using the optimized preform die shapes.     

面向微观组织优化的锻造工艺预成形优化设计

以锻件晶粒尺寸细小均匀为目标,以预成形形状设计为对象,提出了锻造成形过程微观组织优化设计方法,构建了锻造成形过程微观组织优化目标函数,并确定锻造成形预成形形状作为优化过程的设计变量,给出了优化设计的具体步骤,采用微观遗传算法和有限元模拟方法开发了锻造过程微观组织优化程序,并对典型的圆柱体镦粗进行了面向微观组织优化的预成形设计,取得了较好的效果.     

面向微观组织优化的锻造工艺预成形优化设计及实验研究

以锻件晶粒尺寸细小均匀为目标,以预成形形状设计为对象,提出了锻造成形过程微观组织优化设计方法,构建了锻造成形过程微观组织优化目标函数,并确定锻造成形预成形形状作为优化过程的设计变量。采用遗传算法和有限元模拟相结合的方法,开发了锻造过程微观组织优化程序,对典型的H型锻件进行了面向微观组织优化的预成形设计,取得了较好的效果。并根据优化设计的结果进行了实验研究,优化结果的晶粒尺寸及其分布趋势与实验结果比较吻合。     

Forging preform design with shape complexity control in simulating backward deformation

This paper presents a preform design method which employs an alternative boundary node release criterion in the finite element simulation of backward deformation of forging processes. The method makes use of the shape complexity factor which provides an effective measure of forging difficulty. The objective is to release die contacting nodes in a sequence which will minimize the geometric complexity throughout the backward deformation simulation. This is done by calculating the effect of releasing each of a select group of boundary element nodes at each finite element solution step. The particular detached node which results in the minimum shape complexity factor will be released for the current step. This process continues for each backward step until the last few nodes remain in contact. This design method is demonstrated through the simulated forging of an integrated blade and rotor turbine disk blank. A preform shape developed by this method is compared with an empirically designed preform. Performance parameters for comparison include die fill, flash volume, effective strain variance, frictional power and die load. Comparing the results of the forward simulations indicates improved performance of the preform design using FEM based backward deformation method over that of the empirical design.     

材料塑性成形过程最优化设计—Ⅰ有限元灵敏度分析方法

本文采用有限元方法建立了一种非稳态材料塑性成形过程的灵敏度分析理论和模具形状优化设计方法。采用三次Ｂ样条函数描述预成形模具形状,Ｂ样条函数的控制点坐标（系数）作为优化设计变量,通过对控制点坐标的优化设计,使实际终成形件形状与理想终成形件形状之间的差别最小,从而实现预成形模具形状的优化设计,详细建立了目标函数、有限元节点坐标、节点速度对优化设计变量的解析灵敏度方程及其彼此之间的数学关系,并给出了节点速度灵敏度的边界条件     

7050铝合金等温模锻坯料设计

设计合适的锻压坯料是保证锻压后锻件具有良好综合性能的基础,通过改进锻压坯料的尺寸来改善锻件各部位的变形程度以获得具有良好组织及性能的锻件。运用有限元模拟软件Deform-3D模拟联接轴等温模锻过程,对不同尺寸的坯料模拟等温锻造过程,随着坯料在Z向厚度尺寸的增加,模锻后锻件的等效应变随之逐渐增加。选择成形效果较佳且模锻后锻件变形程度逐渐增加的锻压坯料进行实验。对热处理后的等温模锻件进行室温拉伸、硬度、电导率、疲劳以及金相实验检测。结果显示:对于横截面沿长轴突变的联接轴锻件,锻件各部位间性能差异较大;等温模锻后,变形程度大的锻件能够获得更好的微观组织和力学性能。     

The effects of binders and heating temperatures on the properties of preforms

The use of binders in fabricating ceramic fiber preforms is essential when producing metal-matrix com-posites via squeeze casting or liquid metal infiltration. The binder is not only used to stabilize the shape of the preform, but also to increase its strength. A strong preform is needed to make a net shape or near-net shape casting so that many post-machining processes can be reduced or eliminated. However, very lit-tle attention has been paid to preform fabrication, subsequent processing, and its characterization. This work focuses on the relation between preform processing (selection of binder, heat treatment of the pre-form, etc.) and the properties of the resulting preforms. Silica and phosphate binders were used to make short alumina fiber preforms. The use of binders and the heat treatments used were correlated to the properties of the resulting preforms. The results showed that the heat treating temperature, as well as the amount of binder, is relevant to the resulting properties of the preform. Correlations among the use of binders, heat treatment condition, composition of the binders, and the properties of the preforms were investigated.     

微观遗传算法在预锻模优化设计中的应用

锻造过程实现净形和近净形制造最关键的一点是对无预锻模进行优化设计。本文用微观遗传算法对Ｈ型截面锻件进行了预锻模优化设计,以实现此锻件的无飞边锻造。设计结果表明优化效果显著。而且用遗传算法进行预锻模优化设计,可充分利用现有的ＣＡＤ／ＣＡＭ软件,既保持软件的独立性,又能实现两者的双向集成。     

UBET-based numerical modeling of bulk deformation processes

The paper summarizes the development of numerical procedures for modeling bulk deformation process and preform designing techniques based on the upper bound elemental technique (UBET). UBET has a unique place where an approximate, but faster solution is needed for decision making. In designing and optimizing multistage forging and profile ring-rolling processes, an approximate solution can be used to identify the most influential process parameters. Once an optimum combination of process conditions are determined, computationally intensive, but more accurate finite element analysis can be used to verify and refine results. In this paper, UBET procedures for closed-die forging and profile ring rolling are high-lighted. Experimental investigations are used to validate the model predictions. Also, the UBET-based preform design tool is presented as a process and die design tool for multistage forging processes. Application of these techniques is presented with evidence of effective material usage and extended overall die-life.     

滑动叉无飞边锻造工艺有限元模拟研究

滑动叉传统上采用开式模锻工艺生产,飞边大,材料浪费严重且尺寸精度差。为了降低锻件成本,针对滑动叉的形状特征,提出一种少无飞边模锻的新工艺,使预制毛坯在封闭的模膛内成形,实现锻件近净成形。根据体积不变原则对计算毛坯进行处理得到预制毛坯。应用DEFORM 3D软件模拟研究了滑动叉无飞边和小飞边锻造工艺过程,模拟验证结果表明,新工艺显著地提高了材料利用率和成形质量,降低了锻造载荷。     

Computer aided preform design in forging using the inverse die contact tracking method

The inverse die contact tracking method presented in this paper utilizes both the forward and inverse finite element simulations to design the preform shapes in forging processes. The procedure starts with the forward simulation of a candidate preform into the final forging shape. A record of the boundary condition changes is produced by identifying when a particular segment of the die makes contact with the workpiece surfaces in forward simulation. This recorded time sequence is then optimized according to the material flow characteristics and the state of die fill to satisfy the requirement of material utilization and forging quality. The modified boundary conditions are finally used as the boundary condition control criterion for the inverse deformation simulation. Additionally, a procedure to determine process staging points using trial forward simulation is given. As an example, the preform design of a plane strain forging process is performed. The fuller, buster and blocker dies are designed by using the inverse deformation simulation.     

汽车转向球铰壳体预成形件的形状优化设计

针对汽车转向球铰壳体所需圆角不能挤压成形的不足,采用有限元数值模拟的方法对汽车转向球铰壳体冷挤压预成形件的形状进行了优化设计.基于Deform-3D平台,通过调整预成形件形状的尺寸参数,对不同形状尺寸的预成形试样分别进行了终成形模拟,得到3组优化方案.方案一将预成形底部形状设计为圆台形;方案二将底面改为正方形;方案三在方案二的基础上给4条棱边倒圆角.模拟结果表明,预成形件底面采用正方形且棱边倒圆角,挤压成形后能自然成形圆角,且符合精度要求;并参照有限元模拟的结果修改了模具结构.