Abstract
This study examines the forming properties and forming loads needed to increase the edge thickness on the external face of a plate using finite element analysis(FEA). Recently, forming optimization techniques within FEA are being extensively used in designing the optimal forming conditions for processes like forging, extrusion, rolling, and spinning. Most of these existing forming operations involve reducing the volume per unit length, but research for increasing volume per unit length is not very extensive. For this study we chose an automotive engine flywheel which is a welded assembly of a plate and a gear with each component having a different thickness. We considered a forming technique to increase the thickness in order to allow the machining of the gear directly on the external face of plate alleviating the need for a weld. To study various forming techniques, we used the finite element method with the flow stress of material and incremental forming steps. We conclude from this study that the analysis of forming properties and forming loads by using the finite element analysis and testing is useful as a method to increase the thickness per unit length.
