Investigation of the Transient Performance Caused by Supply Pressure Changes in the Supersonic Fluidic Oscillator Driven Superplastic Forming Process

The Superplastic Forming process involves gas injection from a variable pressure supply, to form a heated metallic sheet into a complex automotive body panel shape. The current process involves excessive forming times which allow residual stresses to relax thus avoiding cracks and tearing. Research shows that pressure pulsations of the gas supply increase the allowable material strain rate, reducing required manufacturing time. Our research shows that a Supersonic Fluidic Oscillator, due to the absence of moving parts, is capable of reliably generating the required pressure fluctuations under the extremely high temperatures present in the process. Oscillator performance at the start-up of the process and when supply pressure changes occur during the process have not yet been investigated. This research aims to utilize our existing numerical model and experimental test facility to determine this information. This data is needed to design an initial prototype for testing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gary Rankin

Student:

Partner:

AEM Power Systems Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Windsor

Program: