FEM simulation study for rapid preforming of axisymmetrical forging by differential heating

Feasibility of generating differential metal flow to obtain axi-symmetric protrusions on a billet by flat-die differential heating was studied. Results showed that heating arrangement influenced temperature field and deformation behaviour. FEM simulation to achieve anticipated preform geometry generally requires a series of trial and error approaches that are rather time consuming. Aiming at providing guides for more accurately determining the heating conditions, this paper suggests a useful method in presenting the FEM simulation results. It also sheds light on the heating effectiveness in generating differential flow of material