Modeling flexforming (fluid cell forming) process with finite element method

Abstract

In this paper, the flexforming process is modeled by finite element method in order to investigate the operation window of the problem. Various models are established using explicit approach for the forming operation and implicit approach for the unloading one. In all analyses the rubber diaphragm has been modeled revealing that the modeling of this diaphragm is essential. Using the material Aluminum 2024 T3 alclad sheet alloy, three basic experiments are conducted: Bending of a straight flange specimen, bending of a contoured flange specimen and bulging of a circular specimen. By these experiments the effects of blank thickness, die bend radius, flange length and orientation of the rolling direction of the part have been investigated. Experimental results are compared with finite element results to verify the computational models.