Theoretical calculation of the maximum radial deformation of a cylindrical shell under explosive forming by a new energy approach

Abstract

Due to different influential parameters that affect an explosive forming process, this classic method of metal forming can potentially be considered as one the most complicated practical approaches to forming metallic shells and plates. Focusing on the importance of the energetic efficiency during an explosive forming procedure, the explosion phenomenon and relating formulation will be reviewed in this article. Furthermore, influential differences between air and water as the media of explosion and their effects on explosive forming process will be discussed. On the other hand, a new theory, called ‘the energy method’ that can be used for calculation of the maximum radial deflection of cylindrical shells under explosive loading will be introduced in this article. Besides, the selected results of hundreds of experiments that have been conducted on different tubular shells by the use of water and air as media of explosive forming process will be presented and the maximum transverse displacements of the shells that have been experimentally tested will then be compared to the results of the proposed energy method. Comparison between the maximum radial deformation of cylindrical specimens that were used in this research and theoretical results shows that the accuracy of the new theory is approximately 84%.