The numerical simulation of the integral hydrobulging of ellipsoidal shells

Abstract

The integral hydro-bulge forming of ellipsoidal shells is described. The elasto-plastic finite element method is used to simulate the integral forming process of an ellipsoidal shell. Simulation results show that the plastic deformation does not occur at the same time on the different zone of the shell and the flexural effect exists at the corner of the shell. The expanding of the plastic deformation, the yield paths of the typical points and the thickness distribution after hydrobulging are also researched in detail.