Sequential coupling simulation for electromagnetic–mechanical tube compression by finite element analysis

A sequential coupled field analysis of electromagnetic tube compression process has been performed by using the finite element method (FEM). A 2D axisymmetric electromagnetic model based on the magnetic vector potential is proposed for the calculation of magnetic field and magnetic forces; and Newmark integration method is used to calculate the dynamic plastic deformation of tube in the mechanical model. In each time step during the simulation, the transient magnetic forces acting on the tube are obtained from the electromagnetic model, which are then used as input load to the mechanical model. According to the tube deformation calculated, the geometry of the electromagnetic model is updated. Therefore, the sequential coupling simulation is realized between the electromagnetic model and the mechanical model, whose results are more accurate than the loosing coupling simulation method. The radial deformation along the outer generatrix of deformed tube wall is presented as a function of time and the plastic strain energy of electromagnetic tube compression is analyzed.