Papers by Author: Alexander Brosius

Abstract: The accurate simulation and the optimization of extrusion processes can be a helpful technique to ensure producibility of complex aluminum profiles, for example for the automobile industry. Currently, the die designing is based on expert’s knowledge and cost-intensive prototyping. The paper deals with numerical investigations based on finite element simulations as well as experimental investigations of an industrial extrusion process. A newly developed method for longitudinal seam weld prediction is applied to analyze the position of the longitudinal welding line and the welding quality.

Abstract: The design of porthole dies for aluminum extrusion processes is very complex. For the accurate design, fundamental knowledge about material flow is of major importance. To gain these information, numerical methods are increasingly utilized. The accuracy of the simulation results depends mainly on the precision of the used boundary conditions in the model. Therefore, visioplastic analyses of the material flow inside a porthole die are presented in this paper. A special modular tool concept was developed to prepare and visualize the material flow inside the process. The results of the experimental analysis were used for the verification of numerical results which were calculated with the commercial software codes Deform3D and HyperXtrude.

Abstract: When manufacturing joints of dissimilar materials thermal technologies as welding reach their limits. Impact welding by electromagnetic forming is a promising alternative because undesired heating of the parts and related disadvantages are avoided. In this process impact parameters need to be adjusted to each specific joining task, but cannot be settled directly. Thus, a two-step methodology is suggested for the process design: First the influence of the impact parameters and the surface preparation on the joint properties is investigated using a model experiment. Joint properties are characterized by metallographic investigations. Parallel to this, the influence of the adjustable process parameters and the equipment on the workpiece acceleration and the impact properties is analyzed. Then the results of both investigation paths are combined and conclusions regarding a target-oriented adjusting of the impact parameters via the process parameters are drawn. In the paper first results considering the model experiment and the analysis of the electromagnetic expansion process are presented and joints manufactured by electromagnetic expansion are characterized.

Abstract: The demand on closely-tolerated and complex functional components in the automotive sector, like e.g. synchronizer rings, leads to the development of a new process-class named “sheet-bulk metal forming”. Within this technology bulk metal forming operations are applied on sheet metals. In the following two novel approaches considering machines and tools for sheet-bulk metal forming are presented. The first approach aims on a technology based on rolling, which is suitable for mass production. The second one is an incremental forming solution for low batch production. Both machine concepts allow the application of different forming strategies to manufacture individual tailored semi-finished products in term of a pre-distribution of material. These products feature variable sheet thicknesses and mechanical properties, which can be adapted to their case of applica-tion. Depending on the individual batch size, the blanks can be finished to functional parts by sub-sequent forming processes like deep drawing and upsetting, extrusion or incremental forming. In this paper the case of an incremental tooth-forming is mainly considered. Forming sequences and resulting loads are modeled and calculated by finite elements simulations for all discussed processes to serve as a basis for the design and dimensioning of the machine components and forming tools.

Abstract: The decrease of the bearing length in the aluminum extrusion processes results in an increase of the material flow and offers, through this, the possibility for correction and optimization. This study presents a simulation-based optimization technique which uses this effect for optimizing the material flow in a direct multi-hole extrusion process. First the extrusion process was numerically calculated to simulate the production of three rectangular profiles with equal cross sections. Here, the die orifices were arranged at various distances to the die centre, which lead to different profile exit speeds. Based on the initial numerical calculation, an automated optimization of the bearing length with the adaptive-response-surface-method was set up to achieve uniform exit speeds for all profiles. Finally, an experimental verification carried out to show the influence of the optimized die design.

Abstract: The current investigation is concerned with the grain structure evolution in an Al-Zn alloy (EN AW-7020) during the hot forward extrusion process. In order to analyze that, a miniature hot forward extrusion setup was designed which allows the quenching of the extrusion butt immediately after extrusion. In order to gain a better understanding of the process, the shape of the deformed grains was analyzed and the process was simulated. The shape of these grains was indentified in two directions in the different grain zones, e.g. dead metal zone and shear zone. The FE simulations showing the different grain zones were also illustrated. Simulation results and the micrographs were quite promising to find parameters for simulation models in order to predict grain sizes with the method presented in the current research work.

Abstract: This work covers the finite element analysis of geometric and process parameters in hydraulic bulge tests in terms of the accuracy of the evaluated flow curve. The important parameters are identified and varied to cover the whole range of possible uses. The effects of these parameters are analyzed for three representative materials: aluminium, mid-strength steel, and high-strength steel. The flow curves of the materials for each set of parameters are calculated by using the results of the simulations and the membrane theory. It is seen that even with simulation results, it is not always possible to obtain the input flow curve, especially towards the end of the test. The dimensions of the sheet and the tooling affect the plastic strain development and geometry of the bulge, leading to errors in computed flow curves. In order to observe the effect of the material flow from the flange on the determined yield stresses, the function and position of the drawbeads are also examined. These parameters, together with the method used to calculate the radius of the bulge, determine the accuracy of the calculated flow curve. Guidelines for an accurate flow curve determination regarding the test set-up and calculation methods are given.

Abstract: In this paper, the use of partially or tailored cladded blanks is proposed for the production of multifunctional lightweight components. Therefore, the non-joined sheet areas will be formed to hollow structures by hydroforming subsequent to the partial cladding operation. The paper presents results of research work on the production processes and potential applications of partially cladded blanks in the field of thermal engineering and automotive engineering. Furthermore, it is focused on possible developments regarding the use of multiple materials and process combinations for sophisticated applications e.g. in the field of lightweight constructions.

Abstract: One major objective of the Collaborative Research Center SFB/TR10 is the flexible and competitive production of frame structures which meet the requirements of lightweight design. The development of composite extrusion by embedding continuous reinforcing elements, like e.g. steel wires, in profiles during the extrusion process illustrates one approach to fulfill these conditions. To assemble such composite profiles, joining processes and strategies have to be developed taking into account the special composite material characteristics. In addition, the flexible production of lightweight frame structures in small quantities generates more requirements on the joining technology. The feasibility of joining by forming has been carried out investigating experimentally both conventionally extruded and reinforced profiles. Therefore, joining profiles to lightweight frame structures by both expansion and compression has been examined. The necessary forming pressure for the joining by forming processes was applied to tubular workpieces by a medium (hydroforming) and by a magnetic field (electromagnetic compression). Joints have been manufactured by these two processes to transmit axial loads either by force- or form-fit.

Abstract: Sheet Metal Spinning is a flexible manufacturing process for axially-symmetric hollow components. While the process itself is already known for centuries, process planning is still based on undocumented expertise, thus requiring specialized craftsmen for new process layouts. Current process descriptions indicate a vast scope of different dynamic influences while the underlying mechanical model uses a simple static approach. Thus, a 3D Finite Element Model of the process has been set up at IUL in order to analyze the process in detail, providing online as well as cross sectional data of the specimen formed. Within the scope of this article, the results of the above mentioned Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are presented and discussed with respect to the qualitative stress distributions introduced in the existing theoretical models. Main emphasis of this paper is set on a discussion of the qualitative stress distribution, which is, to the current state, only known in theory.