METAL FORMING - APPLICATION OF LIMIT ANALYSIS

This article presents the technique of limit analysis, both upper and lower bound, as applied to metal-forming processes. The general aspects of limit analysis are first presented and discussed in detail. Then, through both description and examples involving a study of flow through conical converging dies and a study of disk forging, the upper- and lower-bound solutions are presented. Description of the general technique is heavily supplemented by examples of normal applications, problems that may arise, and suggested means to overcome these problems, possible results include process optimization, defect prevention, determination of process limitations, prediction of the forces and power necessary for forming, and an improved understanding of other related phenomena.