Numerical and experimental investigation of preform design for hot forging of an aerofoil blade

A numerical and experimental investigation of preform design for hot forging of an aerofoil blade is presented in this paper. The preform design for non-isothermal forging of a gas-turbine compressor blade is studied. Simulation of the forging operation is presented for comparison with experimental results. First, the forging process is simulated using a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element method (FEM). Then, the preform shape is investigated using numerical simulations and experimental tests. Results show that the preform shape has an important role in its positioning within the die cavity during the forging operation. For the blade forging process, a preform with a quadrilateral root section, which causes the preform to be securely constrained in the die cavity, is suggested.