Superplastic forming characteristics of fine-grained 5083 aluminum

Superplastic forming characteristics of a fine-grained 5083 aluminum sheet have been investigated by means of gas-pressure forming of a rectangular pan. This part geometry lends itself to a simple representation in terms of nearly one-dimensional sheet stretching and permits reasonably rigorous control of strain rate throughout the forming cycle. This study followed a study of the uniaxial tensile properties carried out on this alloy. A two-stage forming cycle, which comprised a short, rapid prestraining stage followed by a stage of slower rate of superplastic straining, was used because the uniaxial tensile work showed enhancement of superplastic response of this alloy under this condition. The study examined the effect of process parameters such as initial gas pressurization rate, level of hydrostatic pressure, and lubricants on the thinning characteristics of the sheet, especially along the die entry radii. The gas pressure/time cycle was suitably modified to avoid premature sheet failure due to excessive sheet thinning or cavitation. Cavitation under the biaxial forming condition and the effect of hydrostatic pressure on cavitation suppression were evaluated. A defect-free pan with sharp corners was formed.