Numerical and Experimental Research on the Flexible Forming of Metal Sheet Using Magnetic-Driving Plasma Arc

Abstract

Flexible forming of metal sheet using plasma arc is a new technique which forms parts by thermal stress without moulds and external force. To improve the surface quality of formed parts, a magnetic-driving plasma arc (MDPA) was applied in monitoring the distribution of heat flux. A mathematical model was developed to study the variations of temperature fields and deformation fields with MDPA and merely with plasma arc, which was validated by the forming experiments. The results indicated that the swing amplitude of MDPA increased linearly when the exciting current Ie < 1.2 A, and the distribution of heat flux with MDPA was more uniform than that merely with plasma arc in the heating zone, which avoided the possible partial melting and ablation of metal sheet. Moreover, the “U-shape” occurred with MDPA, and the material accumulation with MDPA was smaller than that merely with plasma arc on the surface of metal sheet.