Analysis of thickness distribution of square-sectional hydroformed parts

摘要

Square-sectional parts are most commonly used on automobiles. The thickness uniformity is one of the key factors that affect the performance of hydroformed parts. In the present paper, the thickness distribution along the cross-section of a square-sectional hydroformed part is studied mathematically. The effects of the friction coefficient, the strain-hardening exponent and the anisotropic coefficient on the thickness distribution, and the variation regularity of the wall thickness are numerically explored. The analytical and simulation results show good agreement with those of the experiments. This study helps to further understand the mechanics of the tube hydroforming process and to provide more knowledge for die design and material selection.