Investigation into the thermo-viscoplastic finite element analysis of square die extrusion of square section with Lagrangian description

Abstract

An analysis of three-dimensional hot extrusion through landless square dies is carried out as a nonsteady-state problem. In the problem, difficulties arise from the severe distortion and die interference of elements at the aperture rim of the die, even with a small punch travel. Finite element simulation is impossible without intermittent remeshing procedures. To overcome these difficulties, an automatic remeshing technique is proposed by employing a modular conceptual mesh structure. In the analysis of temperature distribution, conduction, convection and radiation are considered in connection with a deformation analysis of a visco-plastic material. The effect of the mesh structure on the present scheme as well as material properties and temperatures associated with punch travel is discussed. As an example, an extrusion of a square section is simulated. In order to confirm the present scheme, experiments are carried out using aluminium at the elevated temperature. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd