OPTIMAL PROCESS DESIGN IN STEADY-STATE METAL-FORMING BY FINITE-ELEMENT METHOD .2. APPLICATION TO DIE PROFILE DESIGN IN EXTRUSION

Abstract

A new approach to optimal process design in steady-state metal forming is applied to the problem of die profile design in extrusion. The die profiles for minimizing the forming energy are predicted for various process conditions and materials. The results are compared to theoretical solutions found in the literature. It is demonstrated that the die profiles thus obtained are also effective in controlling the formation of defects and the die wear.