Pressure Loading Path Research Articles

Study on Product Design and Process Simulation of Hydroformed Automobile Framework

To achieve smaller weight, stronger strength and higher stiffness, tube hydroforming is widely used in the industry. The front beam is analysed the front beam part is redesigned based on the technics, and automotive structural lightweight and integration are achieved under the precondition of ensuring vehicle performance and security. Then, the hydroforming process of front beam is analyzed by numerical simulation based upon the elastic-plastic finite element method, Belytschko-Tsay shell element theory and dynamic explicit solution, the internal pressure loading path as the main hydroforming process parameters is discussed in detail. The present analysis provide basis for its applications.

Study of Forming Parameters in Hydroforming of a Thin-Walled ASTM C11000 Copper Tube

Tube hydroforming technology is still considered a new technique growing fast in automotive and aircraft industries. Many researches on all aspects of this process are still required. Contact friction is one of the most effective parameters on tube wall thinning. To successfully fulfill the process without any common defects, it is very important to determine the proper internal pressure and axial feeding loading paths. In this paper, the effect of lubrication on tube wall thinning on ASTM C11000 copper alloy is discussed as well as the effect of internal pressure and axial feeding. An axisymmetric bulged tube is investigated using theoretical, numerical and experimental methods. Improved linear and non-linear pressure and feeding loading paths are applied and the predicted results are experimentally proved. It is observed that non-linear pressure application gives smoother results. Also proper lubrication plays an important role in success of the process.