Tube hydroforming process is a relative new process f or production of structural parts of low weight and high rigidity. The successfu lness of the process depends largely on the a proper selection of loading path w h...Tube hydroforming process is a relative new process f or production of structural parts of low weight and high rigidity. The successfu lness of the process depends largely on the a proper selection of loading path w hich is axial feeding distance as related to the applied internal pressure. Due to the complicated nature of plastic deformation, a optimum loading path which w ill guarantee good hydroformed parts free of winkle and fracture has often to be determined by finite element analysis. In order to save trials and errors, adap tive FEM simulation method has been developed. To effectively apply the adaptive simulation method, we have to know the applicability of the method. In this pap er, a classification of tube hydroforming (THF) processes based on sensitivity to loading parameters has been suggested. Characteristics of the classification have been analyzed in terms of failure mode, dominant loading parameters and th eir working windows. It was discussed that the so called pressure dominant THF p rocess is the most difficult process for both simulation in FEM analysis and pra ctical operation in real manufacturing situation. To effectively find out the op timum loading path for pressure dominant THF process, adaptive FEM simulation st rategies are mostly needed.展开更多
文摘Tube hydroforming process is a relative new process f or production of structural parts of low weight and high rigidity. The successfu lness of the process depends largely on the a proper selection of loading path w hich is axial feeding distance as related to the applied internal pressure. Due to the complicated nature of plastic deformation, a optimum loading path which w ill guarantee good hydroformed parts free of winkle and fracture has often to be determined by finite element analysis. In order to save trials and errors, adap tive FEM simulation method has been developed. To effectively apply the adaptive simulation method, we have to know the applicability of the method. In this pap er, a classification of tube hydroforming (THF) processes based on sensitivity to loading parameters has been suggested. Characteristics of the classification have been analyzed in terms of failure mode, dominant loading parameters and th eir working windows. It was discussed that the so called pressure dominant THF p rocess is the most difficult process for both simulation in FEM analysis and pra ctical operation in real manufacturing situation. To effectively find out the op timum loading path for pressure dominant THF process, adaptive FEM simulation st rategies are mostly needed.