Investigation of T-Shape Tube Hydroforming with Finite Element Method

Abstract

In this paper, the finite element method is used to investigate the cold hydroforming process of a T-shape tube. A series of simulations on hydraulic expansion, axial feeding and the counterforce of the tubes was carried out using the program DEFORM-3D. The influences of the process parameters such as the internal pressure, the fillet radius, and counterforce on the minimum wall thickness of formed tube are examined. A suitable range of the process parameters for producing an acceptable T-shape tube that fulfils the industrial demand was also found.