High-Energy Rate Forming

Abstract

Principle of high-energy rate forming (HERF) or high-velocity forming (HVF) process, and its difference with conventional processes, reason to develop HVF process, and its fields of application, advantages and limitations. Principle of explosive forming process, and its distinction with conventional forming. Varieties of explosives and their properties. Standoff or unconfined or underwater (bulk head forming, free forming and cylinder forming) explosive forming technique: description with advantages and limitations, and sequence of forming operation. Effect of standoff distance, weight, types of explosives used and type of energy-transmitting medium on magnitude of peak pressure exerted on work-piece. Contact or confined explosive forming technique: description with advantage and disadvantage. Electromagnetic forming or magnetic pulse forming process: principle and discussion, advantages and limitations, various applications, such as expansion (bulging) or compression (shrinking) of a hollow cylindrical work-piece, or even a combination of both to attain a final shape, and forming of flat sheet metal to contours of die. Electrohydraulic forming or spark discharge forming or electric discharge forming or electrospark forming: description with fields of application and comparison of energy efficiency and peak pressure with explosive forming. High-energy rate forging and other HERF methods. Problems and solutions.