Optimization of Die Geometry for Tube Channel Pressing

Since tubes have numerous industrial applications, many attempts have focused on the Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) processes of tubes. Tube Channel Pressing (TCP) is an attractive process since it can be used for processing different sizes of tubes. However, more attempts are needed to improve the outcomes of TCP. For example, imposing of greater strain besides reductions of strain heterogeneity are the challenges of this process. This work is aimed to optimize the die geometry of TCP in order to increase the imposed strain as well as to decrease strain heterogeneity through an FEM simulation method verified by experiment. The results showed that the increase of die curvature radius causes the decrease of imposed plastic strain and the increase of strain heterogeneity. In addition, the minimum amount of die convex height for imposing of reasonable strain through TCP was calculated considering tube thickness and channel angle. Besides, the optimum die geometry is recommended in order to minimize the strain heterogeneity.