Use of simulation modeling to determine the process parameters for the production of large-diameter aluminum shells

This article describes a process for obtaining sized seamless shells with waffled internal finning. The process employs thermoelastic stamping in the superplastic state, and the sizing operation is performed while the product is being pneumatically separated from the die. The process is used to make 0.5–2-m-diam. shells of aluminum and aluminum-magnesium alloys for aircraft structural elements, engines, and a large number of domestic products that are made to above-normal standards. The technology is based on the use of the possibilities of simulation modeling.