FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF COPPER EXTRUSION PROCESSES

In this work the finite-element simulation of various copper extrusion processes was studied. Firstly the metal flow in axisymmetric extrusion was studied. Both flat-faced and converging dies were used and the metal flow through them was analyzed. The extrusion was assumed to be isothermal. Two different frictional conditions were studied. The DEFORM finite-element program was used to simulate the extrusion process. It was found that results of the FEM simulation agreed well with the laboratory experimental results. Secondly the FEM simulation of the Conform extrusion process was studied. The extrusion was assumed to take place under plane strain conditions. It was found that the filling of the extrusion chamber up to the beginning of the extrusion could be simulated. The shape of the steady-state deformation region could be calculated. Strain rates in the different parts of the deformation region could be determined.