Electrohydraulic Forming of Low Volume and Prototype Parts: Process Design and Practical Examples

Electro-Hydraulic Forming (EHF) is a high rate sheet metal forming process based on the electrical discharge of voltage capacitors in water-filled chamber. During discharge, pulsed pressure wave propagates from electrodes and forms blank into die. The performed literature review shows that this technology suitable for parts broad range dimensions complex shapes. One barriers broader implementation complexity full-scale simulation EHF which includes an expanding plasma channel, propagation waves fluid filled chamber, high-rate contact with rigid objective presented paper to establish methods designing processes using simplified methods. describes numerical approach how define shape preforming pockets. concept imposing principal strains formed initial mesh flat blank. are applied opposite sign creating compression corresponding stresses calculated upon Hooke’s law. then virtually placed between two plates. plates has windows material getting bulged driven by in-plane compressive stresses. prediction provides information It experimentally demonstrated these approaches, feasible fragment decklid panel deep curvature.