Abstract: Finite element modeling of electromagnetic forming includes modeling
of mechanical aspects, modeling of electromagnetic aspects, and a coupling
method between the two models. The electromagnetic problem is to determine the
magnetic pressure and its temporal and spatial distribution. Whereas the
mechanical problem is to find out workpiece deformation resulting from the
magnetic pressure applied on this workpiece. Nonetheless complications in the
simulation exist due to pressure variation with workpiece deformation. These
difficulties can be resolved by using one of the known coupling algorithms;
loose coupling, or strong coupling. But these coupling strategies either have
low accuracy of results or take long simulation time. The current research
introduces an enhanced loose coupling algorithm for simulation of
electromagnetic sheet metals bulging. The proposed coupling strategy takes into
account deformation effects on pressure without the need for solving the
updated electromagnetic model every new time step. Comparison between present
simulation results and experimental results of other researchers showed good
agreement. Effective plastic strain, and effective plastic strain rate
distribution and evolution were presented in addition to thickness and
deflection evolution of the workpiece.
Keywords: Electromagnetic forming, sheet metal forming, FEM, enhanced loose coupling, high strain rates
