3D-FE modelling and simulation of multi-way loading process for multi-ported valves

Multi-ported valves are widely used in the marine, sanitary, petrochemical and power industry. Multi-way loading forming technology provides an efficient approach for integral forming of high strength multi-ported valves, such as tee pipe coupling, high-pressure cross valves, large-scale complex valves, and so on. Since the multi-way loading process is a very complicated plastic forming process due to the complexity of loading path, finite element numerical simulation is adopted to investigate the multi-way loading process in order to predict and control the multi-ported valve forming process. A reasonable model of the process is developed under DFEORM-3D environment based on the coupled thermo-mechanical finite element method. Then the reliability of the model is validated with respect to geometry development and forming defects. Numerical simulations of multi-way loading forming for a tee valve and a cross valve have been carried out via using the developed model. Further, the forming processes of tee valve and cross valve have been compared. Moreover, the modelling method is also suitable for multi-way loading processes of other complex components.