Study on Formability of Tailor Welded Blanks Based on Numerical Simulation

Abstract

The strength ratio, thickness ration of blanks and the microstructure of weld seam play important role in the formability of tailor welded blanks (TWB). With numeric simulation technology in different conditions such as different thickness and different strength combination of TWB’s materials, the forming limit depth (FLD) of tailor welded blanks is analyzed. The affect of the thickness ratio and strength ratio on forming limit depth is investigated, the laws influencing the formability of TWB square box are summarized, and approaches are presented to increase the FLD. The results of simulation and practice indicate that reducing the difference of the thickness ratio, choosing lower strength material for thicker blank, and adopting right heat treatment can improve the forming limit depth. Keywords: Tailor Welded Blanks; Forming Limit Depth; Thickness Ratio; Strength Ratio