Theories and Experiments on Tube Sinking through Conical Dies

Abstract

Earlier theories of tube sinking through conical dies have been considered and the factors important in the calculation of stresses and strains have been determined. Using these theories drawing stresses have been calculated for a particular stress-strain curve by assuming an exponential strain hardening characteristic. These drawing stresses are essentially ‘lower bounds’ but comparative ‘upper bounds’ have been obtained using velocity field techniques; Coulomb friction has been included. Thickness strains for a smooth die and a non-strain hardening material have been computed. Experimental data has been obtained using conical dies under normal industrial conditions and comparisons made with theory. In addition, the problems encountered in the inlet and exit of the die are discussed. It is suggested that drawing stresses and thickness strains determined for conical dies can be applied to other die profiles when the die inlet semi-angle does not exceed 15°.