Feasibility study of complex sheet hydroforming process : experimental and modelling

The application of finite element method (FEM) in the area of metal forming and material processing has significantly increased in the recent years. The study presented provides details of the development of a finite element modelling approach to form a part via a sheet hydroforming (SHF) process. Both FEM analysis and experimental trials were introduced in this study to produce a complex shaped component from Inconel 718 material. The FEM provides a robust feasibility study for forming this part in terms of blank design, load path and process design optimisation. The simulated hydroformed part was validated by performing experimental trials. The analysis demonstrated close correlation between the predicted FE model and the physical trial