Finite element modeling of the tubular hydroforming process: Part 1. Strain rate-independent material model assumption

Abstract

An assessment of the degree to which the assumptions influence the tubular hydroforming predictions from a strain rate-independent, four-node shell, explicit finite element model is made. Among a list of assumptions, it is found that the minimum element size, process time and contact algorithm must be provided to the recipient of a report on the finite element modeling of tubular hydroforming. It is found that the explicit, four-node, strain rate-independent finite element model: (1) underestimates the burst pressure for materials featuring higher strain rate sensitivity and (2) fails to produce an accurate strain distribution prediction.