Analysis of die behaviour during bulge forming operations using the finite element method

Previous numerical analyses of bulge forming processes have concentrated exclusively on the behaviour of the deforming tube, with little or no analysis of the die behaviour during the process. Finite element models have been developed to simulate axisymmetric tube bulging and hydraulic bulge forming of cross branches from a straight tube, with particular emphasis on the state of stress and deformation of the die. The effects of using internal pressure alone and combined internal pressure and axial compressive load were investigated and it was found that the development of stress and the location of maximum stress was dependant on the type of loading used. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.