Numerical Simulation For Aluminum Alloy Tube Extrusion Process Based On Finite Element

For the present, the use of Aluminum alloy profile becomes more and more popular. Extruding method is commonly used in the Production, because it can not only save raw material,but also has high Productivity. So it is taken into account increasingly. However,die design often depends on the experience and trial-and-error over and over in production. In addition, the pattern of metal flow, stress distribution, strain distribution and stress of die are unclear because the extrusion process is accomplished in a closed chamber.In this paper, the principles of porthole die design were introduced for the mold design of Al6063 alloy profile. By using CAD software Pro/Engineer, the three-dimensional model of the porthole die was schemed out, as well as the engineering paper and assembly paper. After that, the process of extruding was simulated by the FEM software Deform-3D. The appropriate controlling data was installed by analyzing the critical simulation strategy, the pretty pre-processor parameter and so on, so the process of simulation was carried out successfully.From the results of simulation, it clearly shows load formation curve, stress, strain and temperature distribution and metal velocity. Therefore it is easy to grasp the flow rule of metal so as to further optimize the die and realize the precise and rapid design of extrusion die for the aluminum profile.The stress distribution was discussed particularly here during the shaping process, thus the rule of metal flow in porthole die as well as the irrationality of the die was educed; as for the strain distribution, some conclusions were promoted on the equality of shaping process, additionally, the mechanical properties of extruded profile was discussed; the velocity and temperature distribution of extruded profile was also discussed here to have some tip on the size controlling and heat treatment of product; the micro-structure of the aluminum product was predicted by analyzing the strain and strain rate distribution; the die stress analysis was carried out to point out the reason for the damage of die, and some advancing solution was promoted out here.