The finite element model of push-bending for stainless steel tubes was set up based on software MSC.MARC, and its process was studied by combining experiment with finite element (FE). The results show that the experiment results are consistent with the simulation results both in the wall thickness and the stress distribution, and the residual compressive stress at the extrados of tube increases firstly, then decreases with increase of the angle of location, subsequently increases again at a certain location, so the reliability of established FE-model is verified. Furthermore, the influences of lubrication on the push-bending quality were obtained by research on the regulation of wall thickness and the ovality under different friction coefficients and lubricating conditions. The research results also show that the exterior wall thickness thinning rate decreases with increase of the friction coefficient at a certain degree, but the interior wall thickness thickening rate increases, and the ovality of the tube end face decreases slightly. However, when the tubes are push-bent at a large radius, a good lubricating condition can reduce the wall thickening problem at the intrados and ensure a better forming quality.
|