Experimental Analysis for the Tubular Hydroformability of Aluminum Alloys at Elevated Temperatures

摘要

Aluminum alloys have a high potential for weight reduction in automotive and other applications, but they have a relatively low tubular hydroformability at room temperature. Hot working processes are commonly used for bulk metal forming, such as forging and rolling, but rare in sheet metal forming like hydroforming. The hydroformability of aluminum alloys can however be enhanced significantly at elevated temperatures. In this study, the hydroformability of aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures has therefore been investigated by using a specially designed induction heating system. The formability characteristics at high temperatures were obtained by a T-fitting forming test as well as a free bulge test. The effects of the process parameters such as an internal pressure and temperature on tubular forming limits have mainly been investigated and the results are presented in this paper.