6. Applications

The aim of the virtual simulation of the hydroforming process is to predict the feasibility of the operation in order to obtain tubes or plates with good geometry, no defects and good mechanical properties. To achieve this, damage must not be significant, to avoid explosion or any other undesirable deformation mode (buckling, wrinkling, rupture). The risk of buckling or axial fracture is very high at the start of the hydroforming process. This risk depends on tool shape, tube thickness and diameter, loading and lubrication conditions.

The aim of the hydroforming simulations proposed, starting with a tube or plate, is to optimize the forming process through optimum control of parameters such as: pressure in the cavity and under the hold-down due to the presence of fluid, synchronization of jaw forces and fluid pressure, temperature, initial tube or plate geometry...