Finite element analysis of high strain rate superplastic forming (SPF) of Al–Ti alloys

This paper presents the numerical results obtained from the finite element analyses of the superplastic forming (SPF) of Al–Ti alloys. The models are used to optimise the process and predict forming times in terms of deformed shapes, stress–strain distributions and thickness evolution across the facets of fully formed surfaces. Unlike earlier studies that have used membrane elements, this is an exercise using shell elements in an attempt to estimate stresses, slip planes and variation of friction coefficients during the forming process. The simulations were validated using previously reported experimental results. The constitutive modelling was based on the elastic–viscoplastic material properties, taking into account the viscous flow parameters of the sheet metal. ABAQUS/standard finite element code was used to simulate the SPF process. The results indicate good correlation amongst the theoretical, experimental and finite element analyses.