Mechanics of pressure-assisted injection forging of tubular components

Manufacture of tubular components by pressure-assisted injection forging has several advantages over other manufacturing processes. The research conducted previously demonstrates the feasibility of using the process to produce thick-walled tubular engineering components. To improve process-analysis efficiency and to promote engineering applications of the process, an analytical algorithm was developed on the basis of a study of the mechanics of the process. Compared with forming experiments and finite element (FE) simulations, the applied-force and stress requirements calculated using the algorithm are sufficiently accurate. Using the analytical algorithm and FE analysis procedure developed, predominant force and stress components of the process were analysed, which resulted in details of the process mechanics. This is useful information for future uses in process design and optimization