Three-dimensional finite-element simulation of bulge forming

Many near net-shaped industrial parts and products are manufactured by bulge forming process. However, due to the complexities involved in the deformation process, conventional analytical studies were able to provide only very limited knowledge on bulge forming of different products. Finite-element analysis is a very powerful technique to study complex metal forming cases. This paper presents the results of three-dimensional finite-element simulation of bulge forming of T-branches applying two different loading conditions. The stress and strain distributions resulting from these loading situations are presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.