Inclination Angle Effect on the Thickness Distribution in a Superplastic Formed Long Rectangular Pan

Abstract

In the superplastic process, the non-uniformity of the produced part thickness and the possibility of severe thinning are among the major disadvantages. This paper presents a parametric study on the superplastic forming of a Pb-Sn sheet into the shape of a long rectangular pan. A two dimensional plain strain finite element model was used to predict the forming times and thinning profiles of the formed Pb-Sn pan. The effect of varying the sidewall inclination angle was investigated for different friction conditions at the die-sheet interface. Results showed that increasing the side wall inclination angle reduced the forming time and provided a better thickness distribution.