Investigations on a FEM‐sub‐model for “Die‐Less‐Hydroforming” weld seams

Abstract

AbstractA global forming model for the special and unconventional forming process called “Die‐Less‐Hydroforming” that can be used for the inflation of arbitrary double‐layered or multi‐layered seal‐welded blanks was already presented by the authors in recent publications. While looking on the modeling of the specific seal‐weld in this global model, as a special modeling step the elements at the edges of the blanks are folded towards each other and after that the seal‐weld is modeled by merging the resulting duplicated nodes in the welded joining zone. This paper focuses on the investigation whether this modeling strategy for the seal‐weld is appropriate, i.e. whether the load‐displacement‐performance and stiffness behavior correspond to reality. This was investigated with a FEM‐sub‐model within LS‐DYNA in combination with a specially developed experimental benchmark‐test for the investigation of “Die‐Less‐Hydroforming” weld seams. (© 2017 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)