Simulation of press-forming for automobile part using ultra high tension steel

Prof., Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 kamitomioka-machi, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata-ken 940-2188, Japan

Abstract

In recent years, ultra high tension steel has gradually been used in the automobile industry. The development of press-forming technology is now essential by reason of its high productivity and high product quality. In this study, tensile tests were performed with a view to understanding the material properties. Press-forming tests were then carried out with regard to the behaviors of spring back and deep-drawability, and manufacturing a real product. The ultra high tension steel used in the experiments had a thickness of 1 mm and a tensile strength of 1000 MPa. Finally, simulations of spring back, deep-drawability and manufacturing a real product in ultra high tension steel were conducted and evaluated in order to calculate the optimum-press-forming conditions and the optimum shape of the die. FEM with non-linear and dynamic analysis using Euler-Lagrange’s element was used for the simulations. It is concluded from the results that (1) the simulations conformed to the results of the experiments (2) the simulations proved very effective for calculating the optimum press conditions and die shape.