Papers by Author: M. Simoncini

Abstract: Experimental and numerical investigations have been performed in order to study the effect of welding parameters on properties of FSW-ed AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets. The results, presented in terms of tensile strength and numerical field variables distributions, allow to understand the behaviour of such material when FSW-ed using different rotational and welding speeds for a given tool geometry.

Abstract: The formability of friction stir welded AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets was investigated by means of uniaxial tensile and hemispherical punch tests performed under different process conditions. The results of the tensile tests were analysed in terms of flow stress and ductility at different temperature and strain rate; the hemispherical punch tests, carried out at different temperatures, provided the limiting dome height. The formability of FSW-ed blanks was compared to the one exhibited by the base material in order to evaluate the quality of the welded joints.

Abstract: The present work is focused on the investigation of the role of temperature and punch speed in warm deep drawing of AZ31 magnesium alloy. To this purpose, an experimental campaign, defined using a proper DOE approach, has been performed. The experimental results, in terms of the Limiting Drawing Ratio, have shown that drawability is strongly affected by the process parameters. In particular, Limiting Drawing Ratio exhibits the peak value at 250°C. As far as the effect of punch speed is concerned, it depends on temperature: at 200°C drawability increases with decreasing punch speed whilst a reverse behaviour is observed at 250 and 300°C. The experimental results have been analysed by ANOVA in order to evaluate the effect of the single independent factors and their interactions on the dependent one.

Abstract: The effect of the process parameters on the sheet formability of AZ31 magnesium alloy has been investigated by means of uniaxial tensile and hemispherical punch tests at different temperatures and strain rates. The results of the uniaxial tensile tests were analysed in terms of flow curves, ductility and microstructural evolution; the constitutive parameters were evaluated and related to the forming limit curves obtained by the hemispherical punch tests carried out at different temperatures and punch speeds.

Abstract: The present investigation aims at studying and modelling the flow behaviour of the AZ31 magnesium alloy by means of torsion tests performed in extended ranges of temperature and strain rates. Two types of rheological models were considered. The former is based on the power law equation, whilst the latter is based on the Sellars and Tegart approach. The effectiveness of the two constitutive models in describing the flow behaviour of the AZ31 magnesium alloy under investigation was evaluated. It was observed that both the equations are able to predict the flow behaviour of the material at different temperatures and strain rates. In particular, the former is very effective in predicting the hardening stage of the flow curve, whilst the latter allows to fit the softening stage. The models were used for the finite element analysis of a complex extrusion process and the results, in terms of the load-stroke curves, compared to each other.

Abstract: The formability of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets has been investigated in the temperature range varying from 200 to 300°C. Forming limit diagrams have been obtained by performing Nakazima-based tests. The different straining conditions have been investigated using sheet blanks with several length to width ratios. The forming limit curves have been related to the microstructural evolution occurring during deformation. The forming limit diagrams have shown a remarkable increase in formability with temperature that could be related to the occurrence of full dynamic recrystallization at 300°C.