Finite element simulation of the Flow-Splitting-Process

Flow-Splitting is a modified spinning process, designed to radially split disk blanks from the outer edge into two flanges. This paper deals with the numerical simulations of this process. First, an axisymmetric modeling approach is discussed. After evaluating the influence of numerical parameters on the simulation results, a comparison between DEFORM2D V5.02 and MARC/Autoforge V1.2 is done. Further, the effect of process parameters upon calculated forming forces and processing conditions are examined. In the second investigation stage a three-dimensional simulation approach is performed and the results of calculations are given. Comparing the axisymmetric and three-dimensional simulations assesses the future of numerical simulation as applied to the Flow-Splitting-Process. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.