Superplastic process modeling of plane strain components with complex shapes

Computational process models using membrane element method are developed in this paper for the superplastic forming of plane strain boxes with complex cross-sectional details. Many practical superplastic components manufactured in industry have sloping sidewalk with die bottoms either corrugated and/or at angles to the sides. The new method is used to develop process models for such configurations and the resulting software can be used interactively in a computer. The method is useful to a designer in the parametric study of die geometry, die wall friction, initial thickness, and material property, or to determine if a specific geometry is suitable for superplastic forming. The kinematics of deformation are illustrated, and the numerical results of the model are compared with continuum finite element solutions and also with experimental data.