Experimental Formability and Finite Element Studies on AISI310 Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

Stainless steel, an alloy comprising chromium, iron and occasionally nickel and other metals, demonstrates exceptional corrosion resistance. The transformation of metal into thin, flat components is achieved through the industrial process known as sheet metal fabrication. The utilization of metal sheets is widespread, contributing to the creation of numerous everyday items. This study aims to investigate the formability of 310 austenitic stainless steel under varying temperatures (623K, 723K, and 823K). The evaluation was executed utilizing the Nakazima test method within the context of the stretch forming procedure. Prior to delving into the assessment of formability, an exhaustive examination of the mechanical properties of the high-strength stainless steel AISI 310 was conducted. This involved subjecting the material to tensile tests at varying temperatures - specifically, 623K, 723K, and 823K - each performed at a consistent strain rate of 0.1/s. The resultant data encompassed an array of failure modes and stress-strain curves for the individual test specimens, all of which were meticulously obtained and subjected to thorough analysis.Forming limit diagrams were subsequently constructed based on the gleaned results, affording a visual representation of the material’s formability under the specific conditions studied. Moreover, these experiments were replicated through simulations employing the LS-DYNA software, with a subsequent comparative examination conducted against the tangible outcomes derived from practical experimentation.