Analysis of tailor-rolled blanks having thickness distribution by finite element analysis

Abstract

Tailored blanks have been widely applied in car body-in-white parts due to its ability to optimise weight for the purpose of reducing global emission. Tailor welded blanks are produced by joining sheets having different thicknesses by welding. However, stress concentration is induced due to sharp change in thickness and the heat affected zone has its microstructural and properties changed. Tailor rolled blanks on the other hand are semi-finished parts produced by rolling process where no joining is required. The continuous thickness transition reduces the sharp change in thickness. In this paper, the deformation behaviour of stainless-steel workpiece produced by rolling is being investigated under two different conditions using finite element analysis. Narrow profiled and grooved rolls were utilized for the production of tailored blanks with profile in width direction. The material flow and the thickness distribution were investigated during the rolling process for both sets of rolls.