Thermomechanical stress analysis of superplastic forming tools

A thermomechanical stress analysis of a superplastic forming (SPF) tool is performed by means of the finite element simulation of the whole forming process. The distributions of residual stress and distortion within the tool are investigated in order to evaluate the damage effects of thermomechanical loading. The effect of cyclic loading is related to the fact that residual stress and distortion in the tool accumulate as loading cycles proceed. The characteristics of the typical forming parameters of the sheet are described too. Meanwhile, the numerical simulation can be employed to compare various materials that can be used to manufacture forming tools.