Study on the utilization rate of processed spherical surface part in flexible rolling

Abstract

Flexible rolling is a novel and effective process for double curvature parts and it is suitable for various shapes and small batch production. Taking spherical surface parts as an example, the utilization rate of the processed curvature part in flexible rolling was studied for the first time. In the finite element model, the processed surface part is divided into three areas by forming characteristics. The formation mechanisms of forming areas are discussed. Meanwhile, the effect of the ratio among length, width, and thickness on the utilization rate of processed surface part is studied deeply. The results show that the processed surface part is divided into three areas by plastic deformation in the longitude direction. The bending deformation distribution is continuously changing in the transition-forming areas and stable in the stable-forming area. The ratio among the length, width, and thickness has a great effect on the utilization rate of processed surface part. When the width and thickness remain constant, the utilization rate is increasing with increasing length ratio. When the length and thickness remain constant, the utilization rate is increasing with decreasing width ratio. When the length and width remain constant, the utilization rate is increasing with decreasing thickness ratio. The numerical simulation results are in accord with experiment results.