SIMULATION OF ORBITAL FORMING PROCESS
In this study the feasibility of 3D FEM simulation of the orbital forming process was investigated by evaluating the simulation time. Commercial FEA software DEFORM 3D v4.0 that has an efficient computation algorithm for simulating incremental forming process was used for the simulations and the savings in computation time was determined. In order to provide reliable flow stress for the simulation, a finite element based inverse analysis technique has been introduced. Results show that developed inverse analysis technique is efficient and accurate for use in 3D FEM simulation for process optimization.
Comparison of hub inner shaft design options for orbital forming process by Finite Element Method and subsequently effect on preload of Generation-3 wheel hub bearing .
Presently orbital forming is done to assemble Generation-3 wheel hub bearings where hub inner shaft end is plastically formed to lock small inner. Orbital forming process is very critical in terms of controlling preload in a Generation-3 wheel hub bearing and hence provides a maintenance free design. In this study, comparison and simulation has been done among three hub inner shaft design options (i) without relief curve & step (ii) with relief curve & step (iii) only with step, by using commercial finite element software ABAQUS 6.12.1 EXPLICIT module. Pre-stress, radial & axial plastic deformation of small inner was found after simulating orbital forming and compared for above stated three design options.
Heat Recovery Systems
Geothermal energy is recovered from an underground zone of relatively hot strata via a borehole into which is inserted a heat pipe system containing a working fluid, the heat pipe system comprising an assembly of two tubes in concentric relation, the inner tube being constituted by a relatively small diameter capillary for the return of working fluid to the vicinity of the zone of the relatively hot strata. The working fluid is preferably assisted in its return under gravity by means of a pump. The system includes heat exchange means operable to recover thermal energy from the working fluid. A third and outermost tube may be used to reduce heat losses, this third tube enclosing the two tubes over all but that part of their length which is in the zone of relatively hot strata.