Effect of Draw Bead Height on Wall Features in Rectangular Deep-Drawing Process Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Concave/convex wall features are usually generated in the deep-drawn parts with complicated geometry, especially the difficult-to-deep draw materials. The application of the draw bead could reduce the concave/convex wall features. However, it is difficult to determine the suitable draw bead geometry and its position to obtain a straight wall. In this study, the effects of draw bead height were investigated using the finite element method (FEM) and experiments. The application of the draw bead and the effects of its height on the concave/convex wall features could be theoretically clarified on the basis of principal stress distribution. The application of draw bead led to the decrease in tensile stress in the direction of punch movement and also increased in the tensile stress distributed to the corner zone; therefore, the concave wall feature decreased. In addition, this feature decreased as the draw bead height increased. However, the application of a very large draw bead height resulted in a convex feature. The FEM simulation results were validated by experiments in the following two cases, i.e., without and with draw bead formations. With reference to the material thickness distribution, the FEM simulation results showed a good agreement with experimental results.