Finite element analysis of the superplastic forming of thick sheet using the incremental flow formulation

The paper discusses the nite element analysis of the superplastic forming of thick sheet components. The incremental formulation proposed is based on a geometrical approximation of the ow type of constitutive equations that describe the behaviour of the alloy during forming. The spatial discretization is achieved using eight-noded nite elements. An algorithm capable of predicting the correct forming pressure is also presented in a form consistent with the incremental ow formulation. Some experimental validation of these techniques will be shown together with a number of more realistic applications which will illustrate the generality of these techniques and their ability to simulate the forming of complex components. Most of the material in this section is standard but has been included for the purpose of completeness and to introduce the reader to the notation used in the paper