3D FE analysis on the product defects of composites formed by liquid–solid extrusion process

The liquid–solid extrusion process for forming composite products was simulated by the three-dimensional thermo-mechanical finite element method. The mechanism for forming defects was analyzed based on the distribution of temperature and flowage of the work piece. The surface annular cracks occurring at the initial stage was caused by the high deformation temperature together with the axial tensile stress which was caused by uneven axial flow rate. However, the low deformation temperature in the terminal stage led to high resistance of deformation and interfacial strength, resulting in the fracture of fibres during severe deformation. The deformation condition in the middle stage was feasible to obtain composite products that were defect free. The simulation was verified through the comparison of the deforming force between the calculated and the measured one in laboratory conditions. The results indicate that the forming quality depends on the thermal and deformation state of the work piece, which can be controlled by the selection and adjustment of the process parameters.