Process Parameter Optimization for Better Hydro-Forming Performance of a Trailing Arm Tube

Abstract

This work presents the tube forming characteristics of a trailing arm which the whole forming processes are arranged through pre-bending twice and hydro-forming once. This work utilizes the finite element method to simulate the hydro-forming process of the trailing arm by changing the process parameters, such as velocity of left and right punches and internal hydraulic pressure, etc. The effects of process parameters on the distribution states of the tube wall-thickness, distribution of equivalent stresses and strains, and formability of the forming arm are thus investigated. Taguchi method, orthogonal array and factor response are then applied together to determine the optimal process parameter combinations corresponding to two single-quality objects, minimum tube wall-thickness and maximum equivalent stress, with nominal-the-best and smaller-the-better, respectively. It shows that the velocity of the right punch for the billet material axial feeding supplement should be larger than that of the left punch preventing the uneven bursting of the tube-wall on right-end. The analysis of variance also shows that left punch velocity is a major contribution parameter for tube wall-thickness while that primarily affects the equivalent stress is the internal pressure.