
Solution of Coupled Thermo-Mechanical Problem in Stamp Forming Process of Hybrid Composite Automotive Panels
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Thermoplastic-fiber metal laminates (TP-FMLs) is a hybrid material solution combining advantages of metals and composites to reduce considerably the weight of different transport modes. Stamp forming process in this case can be examined as the most promising approach for a high-volume production of complex-shaped TP-FMLs structural components. To reduce the number of high costs experimental trials, the thermo-mechanical finite element analysis is required. As an example, the stamp forming process of battery tray in heavy trucks is developed. This complex structural component is produced in one technological step and before stamping consists of two plates: basement made of TP-FMLs with glass fibers and reinforcement made of TP with carbon fibers. Each metallic and fiber reinforced TP plates to be stamped are modelled with 4-node structural shell finite elements (SHELL 181). They are connected by the contact and target finite elements applied with off-set option. These elements allow separation and sliding with a friction between tool and product, and no separation and sliding with a friction between different materials of product. In thermal problem 4-node thermal shell finite elements (SHELL 131) are used instead of SHELL 181. The die and punch are modelled with 3-D thermal solid finite elements (SOLID 70) to consider their heat capacity and location of heating and cooling devices. To decrease considerably the dimension of the finite element model and time necessary for the quasi-static analysis, the symmetry boundary conditions are applied. The coupled thermo-mechanical problem is solved iteratively to study an influence of material (properties, lay-ups, thicknesses) and process parameters (temperature window, force applied) on the stress-strain field and common defects (springback, wrinkling, cracking, thickness variation). The developed simulation tools have allowed to improve the quality of hybrid composite automotive panels and to increase the effectiveness of corresponding manufacturing process.