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.
OPTIMAL DESIGN FOR NON-STEADY-STATE METAL FORMING PROCESSES. II: APPLICATION OF SHAPE OPTIMIZATION IN FORGING
This paper is the second part of a two-part article about shape optimization of metal forming processes. This part is focused on numerical applications of the optimization method which has been described in the first paper. The main feature of this work is the analytical calculations of the derivatives of the objective function for a non-linear, non-steady-state problem with large deformations. The calculations are based on the differentiation of the discrete objective function and on the differentiation of the discrete equations of the forging problem. Our aim here is to show the feasibility and the efficiency of such a method with numerical examples. We recall the formulation and the resolution of the direct problem of hot axisymmetrical forging. Then, a first type of shape optimization problem is considered: the optimization of the shape of the initial part for a one-step forging operation. Two academic problems allow for checking the accuracy of the analytical derivatives, and for studying the convergence rate of the optimization procedure. Both constrained and unconstrained problems are considered. Afterwards, a second type of inverse problem of design is considered: the shape optimization of the preforming tool, for a two-step forging process. A satisfactory shape is obtained after few iterations of the optimization procedure.
Hygroscopic Expansion of some Casting Investments
CREDIT is generally given to Taggart1 for introducing the cast gold inlay to the dental profession. Although he realized that gold shrinks when cooled from molten state to solid state of room temperature, the investment available to him did not supply sufficient compensation. In 1910, Van Horn2 published a paper dealing with a method by which he obtained the compensation by means of wax expansion. The next major research in connection with this problem was the work of Coleman3 at the National Bureau of Standards. He determined the gold shrinkage to be 1.25 per cent and presented a casting technic with compensation values of quantitative nature. The total compensation for the gold shrinkage was obtained by the combination of the setting and thermal expansion of the mold. This procedure is the general practice followed at the present time for compensation. There are some disadvantages to this method. Skinner has indicated the difficulty of obtaining smooth castings and the improper compensation for the casting shrinkage.4 It has been found by Hollenback5 and Scheu6a that castings made at a high temperature are rougher than those made at a low temperature (450° C.), depending upon the great difference in thermal expansion between plaster of Paris and silica, which causes a poor union of the fine particles. This may also result in friability and there may be some warpage due to the differential expansion. A method which provides sufficient compensation at a low mold temperature is the hygroscopic casting technic.b Wilson7 showed that certain plasters expand as much as 0.0044 inch to the inch by taking up moisture from the air. With this information at hand, Scheula, b tested some commercial investment to determine what results the addition of moisture would have. He found6b: (1) All of the casting investments that were tested expanded. (2) The thicker the mix, the greater the expansion. (3) A mix with hot water expanded more than one with cold water. (4) The time at which the mix is placed in the water is of great importance. It was found that if the mix is placed in the water early, it would not expand so much as when placed in a little later. It was also found that if the mix was placed in the water after a certain time, it could not expand to the maximal amount. (5) The temperature of the water in which the mix is placed is important, for two reasons; (a) the temperature of the water controls slightly the expansion of the investment, and (b) water at a temperature of 1000 F. slightly softens the wax pattern so that the fine margins are not marred while expansion is taking place. The mix should remain in the water at least 20 minutes to obtain the full expansion, after which time no further expansion is obtained.