Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R80001/01
Title:	Squeeze Forming Process Simulation by the Finite Element Method
Principal Investigator:	Lewis, Professor RW
Other Investigators:	Gethin, Professor DT Ransing, Dr RS
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Fegs Ltd GKN Aerospace (Melrose) Two Gates Tool & Die Co Ltd
Department:	Mechanical Engineering
Organisation:	Swansea University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 October 2002	Ends:	30 September 2005	Value (£):	351,518
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The development of a finite element scheme to simulate the squeeze forming process will be undertaken for 3D shaped components together with an experimental benchmark. The numerical development will address two themes. The first is an appropriate free surface flow model that represents the displacement of a fixed volume of fluid, including its overspill into secondary cavities. The second is the development of a model of solidification including the effect of pressure that is critical to maintain control of the contact between the component and die. The latter will require the coupling of mechanical structure evolution with the solidification analysis to predict the stresses that are generated as the component cools and possibly looses contact with the die surface. The final stages of the project will seek to integrate the flow, thermal and stress analysis to give a fully coupled solution strategy.The simulation will be validated initially against data on simple cylindrical/prismatic parts that has been documented in the literature. Further validation will be carried out against experimental data gathered on an industrial squeeze formed component. This will lead to the development of a comprehensive benchmark component. Characterisation of the evolution of mechanical strength of a typical squeeze formed alloy will be undertaken and the material model derived will be used in the simulation.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.swan.ac.uk