Finite-element simulation of the cold stamping process of spherical vessels

Abstract

A specific process of manufacturing of vessel shell tabs, namely the method of cold stamping is studied in this paper. Recommendations are proposed to gain the proper technology of manufacturing spherical vessels with a volume above 600 cubic meters with regard to labor saving of tabs stamping on hydraulic press. The necessity of having proper technology of stamping is motivated by the large quantity of manual operations, having a direct influence on the conversion costs of a spherical vessel as a whole. The importance of this research is connected with the necessity of multiple shape control of tabs being manufactured during stamping and time-consuming point-by-point shaping-up. The reduction of material costs is supported by using finite-element simulation. Problems are solved with specific modules of the computer aided engineering-system ABAQUS. The results of some finite-element simulations are described. The analysis of stress-strain state at each step of the application of loads is performed.