Parameter Simulation for Quenching and Pre-Stretching about Aluminum Alloy Thick Plates Based on MARC Finite Element

Abstract

To predict the three-dimensional residual stress distribution of 7075 aluminum alloy thick plates, the quenching and pre-stretching process were simulated by using MARC finite element software. In order to simulate quickly according to different reality conditions, the parametric model was realized by using defining parameters and selecting objects by inputting coordinate value with the box mode. In the quenching process, a non-linear thermo-mechanical direct coupled analysis of the aluminum alloy thick plates was carried out, by taking into account of the temperature dependence of the thermo-physical properties. In the pre-stretching process, the clamp and release of the clamp of pre-stretch machine were simulated by using life and death element technology. The study demonstrates that the theoretical predictions agree well with the experimental values of residual stresses measured by the X-ray diffraction method. The simulation results provide the user a tool for analyzing and studying on quenching and pre-stretching technique using virtual reality method.