Abstract
The metal forming processes of aluminum alloy wheel forging at elevated temperature are analyzed by the finite element method. A coupled thermo-mechanical model for analysis of plastic deformation and geat transfer is adapted in the finite element formulation. In order to consider the strain-rate effects on material properties and the flow stress dependence on temperatures, rigid-viscoplasticity is introduced in this formation. In this paper, several process conditions were applied to the dimulation such as die speed, rib thickness, and depth of die cavity. Simulation results are compared, and discussed with each case. Metal flow, die pressure distributions, temperature distributions, velocity fields and forging loads are summarized as basic data for process design and selection of a proper press equipment.