圆锥形件拉深过程中变压边力的研究

起皱和断裂是板料成形过程的主要失效模式，合理控制成形过程中的压边力，可以消除这些缺陷，提高成形性能。本文以圆锥形件的成形为例，采用Dynaform软件对变压边力控制的成形工艺进行了数值模拟计算，得到了最佳压边力变化曲线。本文还对模拟结果进行了实验验证。结果表明，变压边力拉深工艺能够极大提高板料的极限拉深高度。     

Experimental and numerical analysis of titanium/aluminum clad metal sheets in sheet hydroforming

Clad metals are becoming increasingly emphasized in sheet metal applications. In this research, sheet hydroforming process (SHF) was adopted to improve the formability of Ti/Al clad metal sheets and SUS 304 metal sheets used in computer, communication, and consumer product housings. Both finite element simulation and experimental verification were carried out to investigate the deformation of blanks. Several significant process parameters, such as holding force, friction, counter pressure history, and blank dimensions, were discussed for improving the formability of the two metal sheets. In SHF simulation, a virtual film technique was proposed to realistically approach the hydraulic loading condition during SHF. Finally, the deformed shape and thickness distribution of parts manufactured with SHF were compared with the results of simulation. Good agreements were obtained.     

先进充液柔性成形技术及其关键参数研究

基于所提出的具有均匀压边力并轴向加压的板材充液柔性成形技术,面向板材液压柔性成形技术的普遍规律,成形出拉深比较高的铝合金筒形件以及其他复杂形状的零件如方锥盒形件、方盒形件、轴对称锥形件等,对其中的关键技术如初始液压加载状态、液压加载最优路径、破裂控制等一些关键参数进行了研究和优化;考虑板平面方向性系数的影响,利用数值模拟的手段对其成形过程进行了分析,指导实验研究,得出了有益的结论。     

MULTIPOINT BLANK HOLDER FORCE CONTROL IN HYDROFORMING OF FUEL TANK

The study of multipoint blank holder force(BHF) control is carried out for hydroforming a complicated shape motorcycle fuel tank. By finite element method (FEM) simulation, the configuration of multipoint blank holder cylinders and the setting of local BHF are optimized, and the influences of the multipoint BHF on the hydromechanical deep drawing and conventional hydroforming processes are studied. The desired fluid pressure and whole BHF are predicted for hydromechanical deep drawing process. Finally, simulation results are testified by forming experiment, and they are in agreement very well.     

Deep drawing of rectangle parts using variable blank holder force

When deep drawing rectangle parts, instead of adopting elastic or several segmented blank holders, a new thought of applying dual layers of blank holders, which are parallel to each other, has been achieved to asynchronously vary blank holder force (BHF) at different regions of sheet flange, by dint of replacing different little mandrils in length between dual layers of blank holders, thus to further improve the formability of products. At the same time, in order to solve two problems of how to judge which one distribution of one desired integral variable BHF, which was obtained from the thickness analyses with products in advance, on blank holder for asymmetric parts is the best and to evaluate lubricant in deep drawing, a probe sensor with structure of dual cantalevers, based on the theory of resistance strain slice, fixed into the inner space of die, was developed for measuring real-time friction coefficient of sheet flange’s surface. Through this special probe sensor, not only real-time BHF on sheet flange could be measured out, but also the real-time friction coefficient could be figured out. Finally, one example of rectangle part was carried out in tests to validate the feasibility of this thought. By the way of analyzing the distribution of variation with products’ thickness on products and judging whether the whole distribution of friction on sheet flange’s surface was uniform or not, one optimized BHF loading profile could be finally obtained over the whole punch stroke.     

AZ31镁合金盒形件变压边力温热拉延工艺

通过温热交叉轧制工艺制备了板形以及成形性能良好的AZ31镁合金薄板;开发了可加热的变压边力双动液压机,并详述其工作原理;采用不同的压边力方案,对盒形件进行温热拉延实验,分析了变压边力对AZ31镁合金板材温热拉延性能的影响。结果表明:最佳的压边力变化方案是压边力随凸模行程先增后减的模式;采用变压边力技术可以将AZ31镁合金盒形件的拉深深度提高13·2%。     

Closed-loop control of the blank holding force in sheet metal forming with a new embedded-type displacement sensor

Imposing an adaptable blank holding force (BHF) on the flange is an effective technique used to suppress the tendency towards sidewall tearing and to restrain the flange from wrinkling during sheet forming. To this goal, a novel photoelectric displacement sensor was adopted to detect the movement of sheet metal on the die shoulder, and a LVDT (linear variable displacement transducer) placed on the upper die was used to measure the wrinkle height during the process. The output of the PDS can be substituted into a simple formula to calculate the real-time minimum thickness of the sidewall. Together with the readout from the LVDT, the result of the calculation serves as feedback parameters for the BHF control. A tearing-wrinkling algorithm with two modes has been developed in the paper: the fixed-variance mode and the fixed-ratio mode. Beginning with very different initial values of BHF, the proposed BHF controls can attain formability at least as good as the optimal result of the test with constant BHF. The fixed-ratio mode enables the servo-system to react fast in high-speed operations. However, the uniformity of wall thickness is inferior to that of the fixed-variance control. In both cases, the optimal uniformity is obtained under the relatively low initial BHF, while a more uniform sidewall results in a smaller flange area and a product of lower final height is accordingly expected. This revised version was published online in October 2004 with a correction to the issue number.     

Study on the crushing and hydroforming processes of tubes in a trapezoid-sectional die

A study on the bulging processes of tubes in a trapezoid-sectional die has been carried out through finite-element (FE) analysis. A FE model of the single-step hydroforming process and several FE models of crushing combined with subsequent hydroforming processes in a trapezoid-sectional die with different die closing seams are proposed. The simulations are performed using the FE code LS-DYNA. For the single-step hydroforming process, the effects of loading paths on the formability of the trapezoid-sectional part are investigated. In the case of the crushing combined with subsequent hydroforming processes, the effects of die closing seams, tube diameters, and preforming loading paths on the forming process and the final parts are analyzed. A comparison between the parts formed through single-step hydroforming process and through crushing combined with subsequent hydroforming processes is performed. Finally, an experiment of tube hydroforming in a trapezoid-sectional die is carried out on the hydroforming machine developed by Shanghai Jiaotong University. The simulation results show good agreement with the experimental results.     

Effects of forming media on hydrodynamic deep drawing

Apart from the punch and the die, a pressurized fluid (water or oil) is used in hydroforming. The presence of such pressure media is the main difference between hydroforming and conventional deep drawing. No comprehensive study has yet been conducted on the effect of forming media on the formation of cylindrical cups via hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure. This study investigated the formation of such cups through Finite element (FE) simulation and experiments. First, the process was modeled numerically using ABAQUS FE software. After simulation, copper and St14 sheets were formed with water and oil as the forming media. The effect of these forming media on thickness distribution and maximum punch force was investigated. By examining the thickness distribution curve of the hydroformed cup, a close agreement was found between experimental and numerical results. Using oil as the forming media reduced thinning at the corner radius zone of the punch and increased the maximum punch force. Changing the forming media does not significantly influence the maximum thickening at the cup wall region.

     

采用可移动凹模的板材液压成形技术

提出一种改进的板材液压成形新工艺,即采用可移动凹模,实现拉深与胀形的复合液压成形。在整个变形过程中,板材初始变形部分始终与可移动凹模接触,从而抑制已变形区进一步变形,使变形更加均匀,实现变形的顺序控制,板材成形极限得到提高。从试验和数值模拟两方面对可移动凹模板材液压成形技术进行了研究,分析各种工艺参数,如摩擦因数等对板材成形性的影响,并且分析了可移动凹模对板材成形极限的影响。     

圆筒件拉深过程中压边力的研究

利用恒定压边力经验公式计算得到的压边力值进行模拟时,圆筒件质量存在明显的缺陷。采用变压边力优化曲线作为圆筒件拉深成形的压边力加载模式,研究了临界防皱变压边力曲线的确定方法,应用Dynaform软件对恒定压边力、优化压边力下圆筒件的拉深成形进行了数值模拟,得出了成形极限图(FLD)和材料厚度变化图。将模拟结果进行对比分析,发现在后者作用下的圆筒件平面外缘厚度变化较小,筒壁等其他部分的材料厚度变化率也较小,采用优化压边力可有效防止圆筒件起皱、拉裂现象,提高圆筒件成形质量。     

The effect of upper sheet on wrinkling and thickness distribution of formed sheet part using double-layer sheet hydroforming

In the hydroforming of curved sheet parts with a small thickness-diameter ratio, qualified parts are difficult to be manufactured when using the traditional hydroforming process. To solve this problem, double-layer sheet hydroforming was proposed and the wrinkle-free sheet parts were obtained in the authors’ previous study, but the inhibition mechanism of forming defects is far from perfection. Therefore, in this paper, the inhibition mechanism of forming defects is investigated by the combination of FE simulations and technological experiments. Different from the previous research, 2198 Al-Li alloy sheet was selected as the lower sheet. Other conditions such as heat treatment status and thickness are the same as before. The principle of wrinkle elimination can be concluded into the following two aspects. On the one hand, the upper sheet cannot be wrinkled during hydroforming, On the other hand, the surface blank holder pressure is applied in the suspending area. In addition, the beneficial friction between this two sheets changes the radial stress state of the lower sheet and makes the radial strain at some specific area (punch contact area and die corner area) decreased. In conclusion, qualified sheet parts can be manufactured by double-layer sheet hydroforming.     

A study of the control of the blank holding force using an MR damper in a drawing press

The predominant failure modes (wrinkling and tearing) must be avoided during the drawing process in sheet metal forming. These defects may be eliminated by using a controllable device for which the blank holding force (BHF) is adjustable. The purpose of this research is to verify the possibility of using a magneto-rheological (MR) damper for obtaining an almost constant BHF in drawing presses. The damper force is controlled by adjusting the current that is applied to the MR fluid, which is a functional material. To realize this aim, a prototypical press system is manufactured. A control test using a closed-loop PID controller is carried out for achieving the objective where by a constant BHF is retained at a constant prescribed force, while the press slide translates at a constant velocity. The results show that the BHF of the drawing press can be controlled effectively by using the proposed MR damper.     

提高铝合金板料成形极限的新型可控压边力技术

提出了一种可随位置和行程同步优化压边力的新型控制策略，并将其用于不等深铝合金阶梯盒零件的冲压，在零件成形过程中按照优化策略在不同压边圈位置随冲压行程施加最优压边力，使其冲压深度从恒定压边力下的45mm提高到60mm。在多点变压边力压机上的实验验证了这种优化策略的有效性，从而提高了可控压边力技术的鲁棒性和实用性。     

A study of techniques in the evaluation of springback and residual stress in hydroforming

The increasing need for high strength complex hollow bodies for automotive application is pushing towards the use of sheet hydroforming techniques in conjunction with high strength steels. Unfortunately high strength steels are characterised by high springback levels. In this paper the springback and residual stresses have been analysed by means of laboratory trials carried out using the double sheet hydroforming technique. The attention has been focused on the upper blank of TRIP800 steel. The analysis has been performed using different approaches: i) characterisation of sample accuracy by means of a 3D coordinate measuring machine using a new proposed method based on the standard deviation calculation; ii) FE-analysis of both hydroforming and springback stages using an implicit FEM code; iii) residual stress evaluation by means of X-ray diffraction and laser cutting techniques. The effect of pressure, die insert geometry and friction at the blank holder on springback and residual stresses have been analysed and discussed in detail.     

拉深工艺中新型变压边力装置的设计

在分析现有压边装置应用现状的基础上,提出了一种能够提供随法兰位置变化的新型变压边力装置。利用非线性电位器模拟理想变压边力曲线,更符合拉深过程中的压边力要求。利用电液伺服阀良好的快速响应性,可以调整拉深气垫作用在板料上的压边力大小。采用随动装置使电位器输出电压随法兰行程的变化而变化。实践表明,该装置可提高板料的可成形性、材料利用率,减少不良缺陷的发生。     

A hybrid NN-FE approach to adjust blank holder gap over punch stroke in deep drawing process

In deep drawing process, the blank holder plays a key role in adjustment of metal flow into the die cavity. Moreover, the quality of drawn parts is extremely affected by this flow. There are two methods of treating the blank holder in deep drawing and its simulation. One is blank holder force (BHF) and the other is blank holder gap (BHG), defined as the fixed distance between the blank holder and the die surface. In previous studies, a large number of experimental techniques have been used to study BHF; however, the amount of theoretical and numerical simulation work to study BHG is insufficient. In the present study, the concept of BHG profile, i.e., variation of BHG over punch stroke is introduced and it is shown that a properly selected BHG profile can improve the section thickness of formed part and result in the drawing of deeper parts. Here, two methods for the optimization of BHG profile are devised, i.e., the local optimization and the global optimization methods. In the first approach, the best BHG in each punch step is determined and finally, the local optimized BHG profile is achieved. In the second method, however, the empirical model for the prediction of final minimum section thickness in terms of BHG profile is obtained using design of experiments and neural networks. In the next stage, the proposed model is implanted into a simulated annealing optimization procedure to identify a proper BHG profile that can produce the desired blank thickness. Afterward, the BHG profile approach is applied to a variety of initial thicknesses, blank diameters, and materials in order to examine the robustness of method. In this paper, ABAQUS finite element package is used to gather finite element (FE) data and several experiments are performed to verify the FE results.     

Experimental and numerical study of stamp hydroforming of sheet metals

The objectives of this research was to experimentally and numerically study the stamp hydroforming process as a means for shaping aluminum alloy sheets. In stamp hydroforming, one or both surfaces of the sheet metal are supported with a pressurized viscous fluid to assist with the stamping of the part thereby eliminating the need for a female die. The pressurized fluid serves several purposes: (1) supports the sheet metal from the start to the end of the forming process, thus yielding a better formed part, (2) delays the onset of material failure and (3) reduces wrinkle formation. This paper focuses on the experimental and numerical results of the stamp hydroforming process utilizing a fluid pressure applied to one surface of the sheet metal. The effects of applying a constant, varying and localized pressure to the surface of 3003-H14-aluminum sheet alloy were evaluated. Experiments demonstrated draw depths improvements up to 31% before the material failed. A failure prediction analysis by Hsu was also carried out to predict an optimal fluid pressure path for the varying fluid pressure case. The commercial finite element analysis code Ls-Dyna3D was used to numerically simulate the stamp hydroforming process. Both isotropic and anisotropic material models were used and their predictions compared against the experimental results. The numerical simulations utilizing Barlat's anisotropic yield function accurately predicted the location of the material failure and the wrinkling characteristics of the aluminum sheet.     

Process metallurgy design of aluminum alloy sheet rolling by using two-scale finite element analysis and optimization algorithm

Recently, the asymmetric rolling (ASR) process was applied to the aluminum alloy sheet generation to control the micro-crystal structure in order to improve the formability and the strength. Until now, many experimental and numerical studies of ASR process have been carried out, but these schemes have not enough capability to predict the texture evolution at the micro-scale and the sheet formability at the macro-scale. In this study, we develop a process metallurgy design code to analyze and optimize the sheet rolling process. At first, our dynamic-explicit crystallographic homogenized elasto/viscoplastic finite element (two-scale FE) code was applied to analyze ASR sheet deformation and optimized ASR process to generate a high formability sheet metal by employing the response surface method. A texture evolution of ASR sheet metal under an optimum process condition was compared with the experimental results, and the availability of our design code was confirmed. Next, an initial texture for the symmetrical warm rolling was optimized to generate a better formability sheet metal. Consequently, our two-scale FE code combined with the optimization algorithm was verified as a comprehensive tool in the process metallurgy design to predict plastic induced texture evolutions and optimize a rolling process and an initial texture for a high formability sheet generation.     

板材充液拉深动态加载系统开发与应用

液室压力和压边力加载路径是充液拉深工艺中决定零件成形质量的关键工艺参数。针对传统被动加压方式加载路径单一,液室压力较低,不能满足复杂结构零件和高强度材料的成形要求,提出采用闭环控制技术实时调节液室压力和压边力的动态加载方式。设计可控压边和高压增压系统,并应用基于上、下位机的检测控制系统实时调节凸模速度、压边力和液室压力满足设定的工艺参数。在动态加载系统上进行异型结构不锈钢零件的充液拉深试验,动态加载路径下试验件一次整体成形,且表面质量好,贴模精度高。结果表明,充液拉深动态加载系统能够实现复杂加载轨迹和局部高压,适用于复杂结构和高强度材料零件的成形制造。