Analysis and Finite Element Method Simulation of Rear Sub-Frame Hydroforming Process

The recent application of tube hydroforming in the automotive industry demands finite element analysis, since it is rapidly being used as an effective tool for the evaluation of the design of hydroforming processes. In this paper the formability of rear sub-frame in car body with tube hydroforming is studied. The comparison of various feeding and pressure on the hydroforming process is evaluated utilizing Finite Element Method to obtain detailed information on the deformation behaviors in hydroforming of rear sub-frame. It has been shown that optical leading paths such as axial feeding and internal pressure can quantify the circumferential thickness distribution in the rear sub-frame tube periphery.