Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Simulation of Bulge Forming Process Using a Variable Cross-Section Solid Bulging Mold

Bulge forming is a novel process aimed at common products including T-branches, cross branches and angle branches. But bulging forming has not applied for two-head abnormity-shaped hollow screw rotor reported in literature. Simulation of the bulging forming of two-head abnormity-shaped hollow screw rotor has not been reported. This paper presents a simulation of the bulge forming process of two-head abnormity-shaped hollow screw rotor using a variable cross-section solid bulging mold. Some conditions including the effect of friction, boundary conditions, contact conditions and the space motion, etc are presented. The mathematical model of three-dimensional finite element analysis has been established. The distribution of generalized plastic strain and general metal flow mode in cross section of two abnormity-shaped hollow screw rotor has been analyzed. It is an effective method for the analysis of other defects and the optimization of process parameters further.