Finite Element Analysis on Ultrasonic Drawing Process of Fine Titanium Wire

Abstract

Ultrasonic drawing is a new technology to reduce the cross-section of a metallic tube, wire or rod by pulling through vibrating dies. The addition of ultrasound is beneficial for reducing the drawing force and enhancing the surface finish of the drawn wire, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. In this paper, an axisymmetric finite element model of the single-pass ultrasonic drawing was established in commercial FEM software based on actual wire length. The multi-linear kinematic hardening (MKINH) model was used to define the elastic and plastic characteristics of titanium. Influences of ultrasonic vibration on the drawing process were investigated in terms of four factors: location of the die, ultrasonic amplitude, drawing velocity, and friction coefficient within the wire-die contact zone. Mises stresses, as well as contact and friction stress, in conventional and ultrasonic drawing conditions, were compared. The results show that larger ultrasonic amplitude and lower drawing velocity contribute to greater drawing force reduction, which agrees with former research. However, their effectiveness is further influenced by the location of the die. When ultrasonic amplitude and drawing speed remain unchanged, the drawing force is minimized when the die locates at the half-wavelength position, while maximized at the quarter-wavelength position.