Ball Pad Mold Electromagnetic Forming Process for Aluminium Alloy Sheet

Abstract

In order to meet requirements of lightweight technology in the field of aerospace, the new forming technology for aluminium alloy skin parts and integral panel are brought to more attention. Based on the principle of electromagnetic forming (EMF) and energy distribution, a new electromagnetic forming process using ball as pad mold for aluminium alloy sheet forming was suggested and test apparatus was designed. The new method was verified by the finite element simulation and experimental technology, and all studies were carried out on 2024-T3 aluminium alloy sheet. The results show that the new process of ball pad mold electromagnetic forming is feasible to aluminium alloy sheet parts forming. Rubber cushion thickness and electromagnetic pulse voltage are significant contributors to the curvature radius of the test sample. Based on these observations, application advantages and prospects of this new process were pointed out, and the subsequent research was put forward.