Importance of Finite Element Analysis for Verification of Technological Parameters of Seamless Tubes Production Obtained by Experiment

Abstract

Experimental research on the process of cold tubes drawing was performed in order to obtain important information about the behaviour of the tube material in the drawing tool during the drawing to the required outer diameter of Ø12 mm. The DEFORM-3D simulation software was an important tool for verifying the plastic flow of material in the drawing tool (i.e. drawing die), as well as for optimizing the technological parameters of cold tubes drawing. In the finite element (FE) analysis, emphasis was placed on determining the influence of tool geometry, strain degree, drawing speed and friction on the size of the drawing force and the quality of production of drawn tubes. The paper points out the importance of simulation software for common comparison of results obtained from laboratory experiment and FE analysis of the process of tubes drawing. By comparing the results, the reliability of the used simulation software was proved, as the results were identical for all monitored technological parameters. Computer simulation brings valuable knowledge that is important for the correct design of the drawing tool as well as for the technology of production of tubes with precise dimensions.