Finite element modelling of superplastic-like forming using a dislocation density-based model for AA5083

Superplastic-like forming is a newly improved sheet forming process that combines the mechanical pre-forming (also called hot drawing) with gas-driven blow forming (gas forming). Non-superplastic grade aluminium alloy 5083 (AA5083) was successfully formed using this process. In this paper, a physical-based material model with dislocation density and vacancy concentration as intrinsic foundations was employed. The model describes the overall flow stress evolution of AA5083 from ambient temperature up to 550 degrees C and strain rates from 10(-4) up to 10(-1) s(-1). Experimental data in the form of stress-strain curves were used for the calibration of the model. The calibrated material model was implemented into simulation to model the macroscopic forming process. Hereby, finite element modelling (FEM) was used to estimate the optimum strain-rate forming path, and experiments were used to validate the model. In addition, the strain-rate controlled forming was conducted for the purpose of maintaining the gas forming with an average strain rate of 2 x 10(-3) s(-1). The predicted necking areas closely approximate the localized thinning observed in the part. Strain rate gradients as a result of geometric effects were considered to be the main reason accounting for thinning and plastic straining, which were demonstrated during hot drawing and gas forming by simulations.