3D FEM simulations of the rolling of stator vanes, including tool deformation

Tool deformation is an important issue in the shape rolling of stator vanes as it directly influences the thickness of the rolled vane. This means that for the design of an accurate production process the deformation of the tools has to be accounted for. The shape rolling of symmetrical straight vanes has been investigated. Because these vanes have a constant cross-section over the length, this rolling process can be considered as a stationary process. Therefore an ALE formulation is suitable to calculate the steady state. The deformation of the sheet as well as the deformation of the tools have been calculated with the developed finite element model. Some results of these simulations are presented in this paper