Finite element simulation of aluminum alloy cross valve forming by multi-way loading

Deformation behavior, temperature evolution and coupled effects have a significant influence on forming process and quality of component formed, which are very complex in forming process of aluminum alloy 7075 cross valve under multi-way loading due to the complexity of loading path and the multiplicity of associated processing parameters. A model of the process was developed under DFEORM-3D environment based on the coupled thermo-mechanical finite element method. The comparison between two process models, the conventional isothermal process model and the non-isothermal process model developed in this study, was carried out, and the results indicate that the thermal events play an important role in the aluminum alloy forming process under multi-way loading. The distributions and evolutions of the temperature field and strain filed are obtained by non-isothermal process simulation. The plastic zone and its extension in forming process of cross valve were analyzed. The results may provide guidelines for the determination of multi-way loading forming scheme and loading conditions of the forming cross valve components.