Metal forming simulation of ultrafine-grained aluminum alloys

Abstract

The present article investigates the possibility of simulating numerically metal forming processes of ultrafine-grained (UFG) aluminum alloys, fabricated by equal angular channel pressing (ECAP). For that purpose, the flow stress curves of the UFG materials were obtained for different strain rates and temperatures. These curves were used to numerically simulate plastic deformation of UFG materials in three metal forming processes, upsetting a flange, forging a 3D component and indentation of a ball. Based on the experimental results obtained for these processes, the product shape and the process force were compared to those obtained by the simulations. A successful verification of the model enabled conclusions about correct FE forming simulations of UFG materials to be formulated.