Papers by Author: Paul E. Krajewski

Abstract: A time-dependent material constitutive model is developed for the deformation of wrought Mg AZ31 sheet material at 450°C. This material model is used to simulate gas-pressure bulge forming of AZ31 sheet into hemispherical domes. Finite-element-method (FEM) simulations using this material model are compared against experimental data obtained for dome height as a function of forming time under forming conditions identical to those assumed in the simulations. The time-dependent material model predicts experimental dome heights during forming with a quite useful accuracy. The most significant advantage of the time-dependent material model is that it can address the effect of preheating time on forming. Preheating times shorter than ~120 s produce an increase in forming rate. This material model provides a quantitative means of accounting for that effect.

Abstract: Fine-grained AA5083 aluminum-magnesium alloy sheet can be formed into complex closure components with the Quick Plastic Forming process at high temperature (450oC). Material models that account for both the deformation mechanisms active during forming and the effect of stress state on material response are required to accurately predict final sheet thickness profiles, the locations of potential forming defects and forming cycle time. This study compares Finite Element (FE) predictions for forming of an automobile decklid inner panel in fine-grained AA5083 using two different material models. These are: the no-threshold, two-mechanism (NTTM) model and the Zhao. The effect of sheet/die friction is evaluated with five different sheet/die friction coefficients. Comparisons of predicted sheet thickness profiles with those obtained from a formed AA5083 panel shows that the NTTM model provides the most accurate predictions.

Abstract: Accurate numerical simulation capability is critical to the development and implementation of hot forming technologies. Numerical simulations were developed for gas-pressure forming of commercial, fine-grained aluminum-magnesium (AA5083) material into deep pan shapes at 450°C. These simulations utilize a material constitutive model recently developed for fine-grained AA5083 materials as a user-defined routine in commercial Finite Element Method (FEM) software. Results from simulations are compared against data from gas-pressure forming experiments, which used the same forming conditions and die geometries. Specifically, local sheet thinning and radius of curvature in edges and corners are compared between simulation and experiment. Numerical simulations are in good agreement with experiments for local sheet thinning of up to 50%. For locations where sheet thinning exceeds 50%, simulations predict less thinning and larger formed radii than observed in experiments. It is likely that cavitation, which is not accounted for in simulations, plays a significant role in causing a decrease in simulation prediction accuracy for thinning values greater than 50%. This study demonstrates a simulation capability that is potentially of significant practical use for predicting the hot gas-pressure forming of fine-grained AA5083 material.

Abstract: Although mass reduction can be associated with additional costs, a decision to lightweight a structural subsystem may, depending on when in the vehicle development process the decision is taken, result in secondary (additional) mass savings such that the value of lightweighting is substantially increased. This paper overviews a method to estimate the potential for secondary mass savings in different vehicle subsystems. We close by describing current research efforts aimed at developing new lightweight product solutions for both body and powertrain applications along with commensurate manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Forming Limit Diagrams (FLD’s) for AA5083 aluminum sheet were established under both Superplastic Forming (SPF) and Quick Plastic Forming (QPF) conditions. SPF conditions consisted of a strain rate of 0.0001/s at 500°C, while QPF conditions consisted of a strain rate of 0.01/s at 450°C. The forming limit diagrams were generated using uniaxial tension, biaxial bulge, and plane strain bulge testing. Forming limits were defined using two criteria: (1) macroscopic fracture and (2) greater than 2% cavitation. Very little difference was observed between the plane strain limits in the SPF and QPF conditions indicating comparable formability between the two processes with a commercial grade AA5083 material.

Abstract: General Motors has developed Quick Plastic Forming (QPF) as a hot blow forming process capable of producing aluminum closure panels at high volumes. This technology has been successfully implemented for automotive liftgates and decklids with complex shapes. This talk will review key elements of the QPF process, describe some of the technical achievements realized in this process, and identify areas for future research in process, material, and lubricant development.