STUDY ON THE FINITE ELEMENT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF SHEET METAL FORMING

Based on the Finite Element Theory of Rigid Plastic,relevant problems during plas-tic simulation on sheet metal forming were technologically studied and simplified;a simplified model of the blank holder during the drawing process was established and the effects of related parameters on the forming processes were also studied.At the same time,a finite--element numerical simulation program SPID was developed.The distribution of strain and relationship of stress--stroke simulated were compared with experimented,the results are well coincided with each other.It is verified that the analytical program is reliable.

Numerical simulation of temperature field in plasma-arc flexible forming of laminated-composite metal sheets

Flexible forming of laminated-composite metal sheets (LCMS) using plasma arc is a latest technique, which produces LCMS components by thermal stress without mould and external force. Considering that the controllable temperature field is the key during the forming process, a three-layer FEM model, based on the characteristics along LCMS thickness direction, was developed to study the variation rules of temperature field, which was verified robustness by experimental validation. Besides, the influences of process parameters such as plasma arc power, scanning speed and plasma arc diameter on LCMS temperature field were performed. The comparisons of LCMS with single layer metal sheet (SLMS) show the temperature difference of LCMS along thickness direction is smaller than that of SLMS, but the heat-affected zone of LCMS along X axis is wider than that of SLMS under the same process parameters.

Sheet Metal Forming Simulation and Its Application in Stamping Process of Automobile Panels

The paper starts with a brief overview to the necessity of sheet metal forming simulation and the complexity of automobile panel forming, then leads to finite element analysis (FEA) which is a powerful simulation tool for analyzing complex three-dimensional sheet metal forming problems. The theory and features of the dynamic explicit finite element methods are introduced and the available various commercial finite element method codes used for sheet metal forming simulation in the world are discussed,and the civil and international status quo of automobile panel simulation as well. The front door outer panel of one certain new automobile is regarded as one example that the dynamic explicit FEM code Dynaform is used for the simulation of the front door outer panel forming process. Process defects such as ruptures are predicted. The improving methods can be given according to the simulation results. Foreground of sheet metal forming simulation is outlined.

DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF SHEET METAL SINGLE-POINT INCREMENTAL FORMING BY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD SIMULATION

Single-point incremental forming （SPIF） is an innovational sheet metal forming method without dedicated dies, which belongs to rapid prototyping technology. In generalizing the SPIF of sheet metal, the deformation analysis on forming process becomes an important and useful method for the planning of shell products, the choice of material, the design of the forming process and the planning of the forming tool. Using solid brick elements, the finite element method（FEM） model of truncated pyramid was established. Based on the theory of anisotropy and assumed strain formulation, the SPIF processes with different parameters were simulated. The resulted comparison between the simulations and the experiments shows that the FEM model is feasible and effective. Then, according to the simulated forming process, the deformation pattern of SPIF can be summarized as the combination of plane-stretching deformation and bending deformation. And the study about the process parameters＇ impact on deformation shows that the process parameter of interlayer spacing is a dominant factor on the deformation. Decreasing interlayer spacing, the strain of one step decreases and the formability of blank will be improved. With bigger interlayer spacing, the plastic deformation zone increases and the forming force will be bigger.

Simulation and Experiment on Workability for Cold Pressure Forming of Sheet Metal Part with Step Cross-section

In modem manufacturing, a new type of sheet metal part with step cross-section in both inner hole and outer edge is proposed. The traditional stamping separating processes can only produce sheet metal part with vertical cross-section. According to the latest developing theory and potential of cold pressure forming： combination of pressure and cold forging, a new flow control forming of sheet metal（FCF） is excogitated based on blanking process of general stamping and combined with cold forging processes such as extrusion and coining, etc, which is aiming at the above-mentioned new type of sheet metal part. With utilization of this new process, the new type of sheet metal parts can be manufactured. In order to shorten the testing period, the numerical simulation was carried out by using DEFORM-3D software, and both deformation and mechanics rules were analyzed. Based on the simulation, both punching part and blanked parts of this new type were successfully developed. Then a new conception of optimal distance between the step walls of inner hole and outside edge was proposed and the design principle for its numerical value was inferred. Furthermore, a mold set for combination of stamping ＆ cold forging was designed and manufactured, by which the technologic experiments were taken for validation with Aluminum plate of thickness 2.35 mm for power battery cover board, which verified the principle of the distance between the step walls. The research of cold pressure forming of thin sheet metal with step cross-section is significant, not only to the development of modem mechanical manufacture, but also to metal plastic forming science.

Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of incremental sheet forming process

In order to investigate the process of incremental sheet forming (ISF) through both experimental and numerical approaches, a three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate the process and the simulated results were compared with those of experiment. The results of numerical simulations, such as the strain history and distribution, the stress state and distribution, sheet thickness distribution, etc, were discussed in details, and the influences of process parameters on these results were also analyzed. The simulated results of the radial strain and the thickness distribution are in good agreement with experimental results. The simulations reveal that the deformation is localized around the tool and constantly remains close to a plane strain state. With decreasing depth step, increasing tool diameter and wall inclination angle, the axial stress reduces, leading to less thinning and more homogeneous plastic strain and thickness distribution. During ISF, the plastic strain increases stepwise under the action of the tool. Each increase in plastic strain is accompanied by hydrostatic pressure, which explains why obtainable deformation using ISF exceeds the forming limits of conventional sheet forming.

Numerical simulation-driven optimization of sheet metal drawing part shape

Numerical simulation and perturbation method were coupled into the iteration process for optimizing the sheet metal part stamping quality, by minimizing the risk of rupture, wrinkle and unstretched area. The optimization of the sheet metal drawing part surface was realized by adjusting the FEM node/element perturbation vector directions and values. The sweeping simplex algorithm was modified to better control the optimization process, and one step simulation code was used to verify the new design formability. Finally, an autoauto fender drawing part shape optimization testified the proposed methods successfully.

Study on Contact Algorithm of Dynamic Explicit FEM for Sheet Forming Simulation

Based on existing algorithms, a newly developed contact search algorithm is proposed. The new algorithm consists of global search, local searching, local tracking and penetration calculation processes. It requires no iteration steps. It can deal with not only general tool surfaces with vertical walls, but also tool surfaces meshed with elements having very poor aspect ratios. It is demonstrated that the FE code employing this new contact search algorithm becomes more reliable, efficient and accurate for sheet metal forming simulation than conventional ones.

STUDY ON THE PROBLEMS OF CONTACT IN THE NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF SHEET FORMING

This study is concerned with the problems of contact in the process of numerical simulation of sheet metal forming in rigid visco-plastic shell FEM. In respect of analysis of sheet deep drawing process,for the tool model described by triangular elements, a kind of contact judging algorithm about the correlation between the node of deformed mesh and the triangular element of a tool is presented. In SPF/DB Lagrangian multiplier method is adopted to solve the contact problem between deformed meshes, and a new reliable practical dynamic contact checking algorithm is presented. As computation examples, the simulation results of metal sheet deep drawing and SPF/DB are introduced in this paper.

The numerical simulation of the movements and thermal states of atomized metal droplets in the spray forming process

Numerical simulation was performed in an atomizing chamber to investigate the movements and thermal states of the atomized metal droplets in the spray forming process. The velocity, temperature and solid fractions of metal droplets with different diameters and under different atomizing pressures were investigated. The results indicate that a higher atomizing pressure results in the increased flying velocity of the metal droplets and a decrease in the cone-shaped angle formed by their flight paths. Synchronously, the cooling of the metal droplets is accelerated and the time of the complete solidification process is shortened. Under the same atomization pressure, large metal droplets have a lower flying speed and a lower rate of temperature decrease in the atomizing chamber than small metal droplets. In addition, metal droplets flying along the edge of the atomizing region cool faster than those flying in the core region.

Flexible-die forming process with solid granule medium on sheet metal

Certain non-metallic granules （NMG） were selected as the research object. It was proposed to conduct the volume compression experiments as well as those on the NMG physical properties at high stress levels. Then, not only the volume compression ratio curve but also the extended Drucker-Prager linear model were obtained. In addition, through the friction strength tests, parameters of the Mohr-Coulomb model were gained, which proved in basic agreement with those of the extended Drucker-Prager linear model. Additionally, curves of the friction coefficients between the NMG and the sheet metal trader different pressures were also obtained. Based on the material performance experiments, numerical analysis in respect of flexible-die forming process with solid granule medium （SGM） was conducted. The die and device for experiments of solid granule medium forming （SGMF） on sheet metal were designed and manufactured. Typical parabolic parts were successfully trial-produced. The tests and simulation results show that the sheet formability is significantly improved for the extraordinary friction performance during interaction between the SGM and the sheet metal surface. The process control and die structure are simple, and the shaped work-pieces enjoy many advantages, such as satisfactory surface quality and favorable die fitability, which offers a brand-new method and means for processing and preparation of sheet metals.

Numerical simulation and experimental verification of large-sized Zr-based bulk metallic glass ring-shaped parts in casting process

An outer ring of 29320 self-aliging roller bearing was used in an experimental study on the casting of Zr_(41)Ti_(14)Cu_(12.5)Ni_(10)Be_(22.5) amorphous alloy.Numerical simulations of mold filling and solidification processes were carried out to determine the velocity fields and temperature fields of the alloy melt during mold filling process as well as the temperature fields and temperature gradient fields in the course of the solidification.According to the results,a cast with a complete shape can be obtained at 1200℃under the condition that the cooling rate is greater than the critical cooling rate.The ring-shaped part with a thickness of 25 mm,an equivalent diameter of 22 mm,and a mass of 1.32 kg was prepared by gravity casting in a copper mold.X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry data revealed that the produced cast had the amorphous structure.

Numerical simulation of the UOE forming process based on MSC. Marc secondary development technology

U-ing-O-ing-Expanding （UOE）, the main process for making longitudinal submerged arc welded pipe （LSAW） with steel plate,is famous for its superior quality and reliability. Based on the famous non-linear finite element analysis （FEA） software MSC. Marc, a finite element model （FEM） has been established to simulate the whole UOE forming process by using the secondary development technology with the Python language. Research has also been conducted systematically on the crimping, U-ing, O-ing and mechanical expanding processes. The practice has shown that the simulation calculation is in close conformity with the actual site production data. The FEM has been successfully applied in the UOE production at Baosteel.

EXPERIMENTAL TESTING OF DRAW-BEAD RESTRAINING FORCE IN SHEET METAL FORMING

Due to complexities of draw-bead restraining force calculated according to theory and depending on sheet metal forming properties experiment testing system, a simplified method to calculate draw-bead restraining force is put forward by experimental method in cup-shaped drawing process. The experimental results were compared with numerical results and proved agreement. It shows the method is effective.

HEXAHEDRAL ELEMENT REFINEMENT FOR THE PREDICTION- CORRECTION ALE FEM SIMULATION OF 3D BULKINGFORMING PROCESS

Based on the characteristics of 3D bulk forming process, the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation-based FEM is studied, and a prediction-correction ALE-based FEM is proposed which integrates the advantages of precisely predicting the boundary configuration of the deformed material, and of efficiently avoiding hexahedron remeshing processes. The key idea of the prediction-correction ALE FEM is elaborated in detail. Accordingly, the strategy of mesh quality control, one of the key enabling techniques for the 3D bulk forming process numerical simulation by the prediction-correction ALE FEM is carefully investigated, and the algorithm for hexahedral element refinement is formulated based on the mesh distortion energy.

Automobile Roof Panel Forming: Prediction and Compensation of Springback and Application of Numerical Simulation Based on Dynaform

The forming of sheet metal in a desired and attractive shape is a process that requires an understanding of materials, mechanics and manufacturing principles. Manufacturing a consistent sheet metal component is challenging due to the nonlinear interactions of various material and process parameters. One of the major issues in the manufacturing of inconsistent?sheet metal?parts is springback. Springback is the elastic strain recovery in the material after the tooling is removed and the final shape of the product depends on the springback amount formed. In this study according to the result of simulation the inverted compensation method is adopted to optimize die surface design. Similarly, to predict and compensate the springback error this study presented an analytical approach of forming process in a stepwise modification of the automobile roof panel. Moreover, based on?Dynaform?and?finite element analysis of sheet metal stamping simulation the sprinback in automobile roof panel is predicted and compensated.?In addition, this study examines the significant requirements of the sheet metal forming precision of automobile body and the simulation of forming, stamping and springback of automobile roof panel is carried out, and the result of simulation also is analyzed.

GENERAL COMPUTER MODEL FOR SHEET METAL DEEP-DRAWING PROCESS

A new comprehensive computer model was developed for sheet metal deep-drawing process, based on the theory of plastic anisotropy and under consideration of the effects of bending, blank-holding force, strain-hardening, the variation of thickness and tooling geometry. The model could be used to simulate the deforming stages of deep-drawing process and get the continuous distributions of stress and strain from the radial drawing region of material over a die and the stretch-forming region of material over a punch. It is concluded that the total strain theory can be used as a substitute for the incremental strain theory to analyse the force and deformation in sheet metal deep-drawing process. In addition, the effect of bending was also obtained.

FEM analysis of metal flowing behaviors in porthole die extrusion based on the mesh reconstruction technology of the welding process

A reconstruction technology of finite element meshes based on reversal engineering was applied to solve mesh penetration and separation in the finite element simulation for the divergent extrusion. The 3D numerical simulation of the divergent extrusion process in- cluding the welding stage for complicated hollow sections was conducted. Based on the analysis of flowing behaviors, the flowing velocities of the alloy in portholes and near the welding planes were properly controlled through optimizing the expansion angle as well as porthole ar- eas and positions. After the die structure optimization, defects such as warp, wrist, and the wavelike are eliminated, which improves the sec- tion-forming quality. Meanwhile, the temperature distribution in the cross section is uniform. Especially, the temperature of the C-shape notch with a larger thickness is lower than that of other regions in the cross section, which is beneficial for balancing the alloy flowing velocity.

Process of back pressure deep drawing with solid granule medium on sheet metal

The experimental die apparatus of the solid granules medium forming on sheet metal was designed and manufactured.Typical parts,such as conical,parabolic,cylindrical and square-box-shaped components,were successfully trial-produced as well.According to the analysis of the changing trends of the cross-section shape and the wall thickness during the process,it can be found that the shape of the free deformation zone of the sheet metal,which is the most critical thinning area,can be described as an approximately spherical cap.According to this forming feature,back pressure deep drawing technology with solid granules medium on sheet metal was proposed to restrain drastic thinning at the bottom of the part through the joint friction effect of solid granules medium,the back pressure tringle and the sheet metal.Therefore,the deep drawing limit of the sheet metal is significantly improved.In order to fabricate thin-walled rotary parts with great drawing ratio and complex cross-sections,a finite element model based on the material property test of the solid granules medium was established to optimize the scheme of the back pressure deep drawing.The effects on the forming performance of sheet metal from back pressure load and the approach of blank holding control were analyzed through this model.

Alternative flat coil design for electromagnetic forming using FEM

Electromagnetic forming （EMF） is a high velocity forming process that uses impulse magnetic force. Coil is an important component of EMF system which needs to be designed depending on application. Flat spiral coils are generally used for electromagnetic forming of sheet metals. However, with this type of coil the central portion of the workpiece experiences marginal magnetic force. This leads to in-sufficient deformation at this portion and other problems like air entrapment. In this study, a conceptual design of flat coil was proposed for better distribution of magnetic forces over the workpiece. Comparative analysis of distribution of magnetic force, magnetic field and current density using the proposed and the existing coil designs were carried out using FEM. The result indicates that the proposed coil design produces comparatively better magnetic force distribution over the workpiece. Calculation of self-inductance of such coils was also carried out and was compared with FE simulation.