Determination of Tool Motions in Stretch Forming Process for Aerospace Applications by Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Stretch forming process is commonly used in the aircraft industry for the manufacturing of large sheet panels. The success of this process is highly dependent on the tool motions during forming. These motions are determined by trial - error procedure and it is costly. This study aims to improve the design of the stretch forming process by determining the necessary tool motions with numerical analysis. For this purpose, realistic finite element model (FEM) of the process is established. Material characterization and friction tests of mostly used aluminum alloys are conducted for input to the model. In order to improve the model and validate the numerical results, experimental work is performed in which the deformation of the sheet is measured optically. Copyright © 2013 Trans Tech Publications Ltd.