Finite Element Simulation of Rotating Compression Forming

In this study, finite element analyses of Rotating Compression Forming (RCF) of magnesium alloy AZ31 with 20mm in diameter are carried out. A commercial software DEFORM-3D is used to simulate the plastic deformation behavior of magnesium alloy during rotating compression forming processes. Various forming parameters, such as the compression pressures (55, 60, 62 MPa), rotation speeds (10, 20, 30 rpm), rotation numbers (10, 20, 30 revolutions) and forming temperatures (280°C, 320°C, 360°C), are used in the FE simulation to obtain different effective strain distributions. Observation of the gradient microstructure and hardness measurement in the specimens of Magnesium alloy are carried out. From the comparisons of effective strain distributions and the obtained grain size distributions. It is known that a larger effective strain corresponds to a smaller grain size and the maximum effective strain is occurred at the middle of the contact plane of the specimen. Larger effective strain gradients generated with compression pressure of 62 MPa and rotation number of 30 revolutions at the radius of 4 mm.