Optimization of Pressure Path in Sheet Hydroforming Process Using Artificial Intelligence and Simulated Annealing

Abstract:

The success of sheet hydroforming process largely depends on the loading pressure path. Pressure path is one of the most important parameters in sheet hydroforming process. In this study, a combination of finite element simulation, artificial intelligence and simulated annealing optimization have been utilized to optimize the pressure path in producing cylindrical-spherical parts. In the beginning, the finite element model was verified based on laboratory experimental results. The experiments were designed and a radial basis neural network model was developed using data generated from verified finite element model to predict the thickness in the critical region of the product. Results indicated that the neural network model could be applied successfully to predict the sheet thickness in the critical region. In addition, the neural network model was used as a fitness function in simulated annealing algorithm to minimize the thickening in the above mentioned critical region. The final results showed that utilization of the optimized pressure path yields good thickness distribution of the part.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 622-623)
• Pages: 772-779
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.622-623.772
• Online since: September 2014
• Authors: Amirreza Yaghoobi*, Mohammad Bakhshi-Jooybari, Abdolhamid Gorji, Hamid Baseri
• Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Hydroforming, Optimization, Pressure Path, Sheet Hydroforming

References

[1] S. H. Zhang, Z. R. Wang, Y. Xu, Z. T. Wang, and L. X. Zhou, Recent developments in sheet hydroforming technology, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 151 (2004) 237-241.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2004.04.054

[2] L. H. Lang, Z. R. Wang, D. C. Kang, S. J. Yuan, S. H. Zhang, J. Danckert, et al., Hydroforming highlights: sheet hydroforming and tube hydroforming, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 151 (2004) 165-177.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2004.04.032

[3] A. Gorji, H. Alavi-Hashemi, M. Bakhshi-Jooybari, and S. Nourouzi, Investigation of hydrodynamic deep drawing for conical-cylindrical cups, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 56 (2011) 915-927.

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-011-3263-0

[4] T. Khandeparkar and M. Liewald, Hydromechanical deep drawing of cups with stepped geometries, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 202 (2008) 246-254.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.08.072

[5] H. Shim and D. Y. Yang, A simple method to determine pressure curve for sheet hydro-forming and experimental verification, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 169 (2005) 134-142.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2005.02.268

[6] S. Yossifon and J. Tirosh, Rupture instability in hydroforming deep-drawing process, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 27 (1985) 559-570.

DOI: 10.1016/0020-7403(85)90072-4

[7] S. Yossifon, J. Tirosh, and E. Kochavi, On suppression of plastic buckling in hydroforming processes, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 26 (1984) 389-402.

DOI: 10.1016/0020-7403(84)90029-8

[8] W. Rimkus, H. Bauer, and M. Mihsein, Design of load-curve for hydroforming application, Journal of Material Process of Technology, 108 (2000) 97-105.

DOI: 10.1016/s0924-0136(00)00738-x

[9] M. Beckmann and F. Vollertsen, Analytical model for free form radii after deep and stretch drawing using pressurised membranes, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 174 (2006) 363-370.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2006.02.015

[10] C. T. Kwan and F. C. Lin, Investigation of T-shape tube hydroforming with finite element method, International Journal of Advance Manufacturing Technology, 21 (2003) 420-425.

DOI: 10.1007/s001700300049

[11] L. Lang, J. Danckert, and K. B. Nielsen, Investigation into the effect of pre-bulging during hydromechanical deep drawing with uniform pressure onto the blank, International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 44 (2004) 649-657.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2003.11.004