Capabilities of numerical simulation support for defect investigations in die forgings

Abstract

The article concerns the use of the results of numerical simulations, primarily for the detection of defects in forged products identified at various stages, along with the analysis of the geometry of forgings and the way in which the material flows in tools. The work presents the results of measurements and analyses using numerical modelling based on computational packages dedicated to forging processes such as: QForm, Forge, etc., which are equipped with special functions that significantly facilitate analyses by both technicians and designers. These functions include: contact of the deformed material with the tool, flow line distribution, “trap” or “fold” functions for detecting forging defects, as well as other technological parameters and physical sizes, which are crucial in the case of a comprehensive analysis of the industrial die forging process. The novelty of the work is the presentation of the possibility of simultaneously combining many different non-destructive techniques and methods, e.g. results of FE simulations with 3D reverse scanning, minimizing interference in the industrial process. The research carried out allows for the thorough and rapid analysis of the correctness of the deformation of the forging material for selected forging processes, along with the presentation of methods for their prevention and solving va