Investigation of deformation in stretch forming based on distributed displacement loading

Abstract

Stretch forming based on distributed displacement loading is a new stretch forming process, in which distributed displacements are applied at a series of discrete points, therefore, the deformation in different positions of sheet metal can be individually controlled. To investigate the deformation of sheet metal in stretch forming, the rational loading trajectory is designed, and it is determined by the respective length of longitudinal cross-section curve. The numerical simulation results show that, the loading trajectory is valid to form three-dimensional surface parts, and the relatively small shape errors between the simulated results and target results make it possible to form qualified parts. Meanwhile, the longitudinal strains are uniformly distributed along the longitudinal material lines, and longitudinal strains increase evenly with the process of stretch forming. Finally, experimental tests proved the effectiveness and feasibility of the stretch forming based on distributed displacement loading.