Module information for the next academic year is available below. Current academic year information is also available.

Metal Processing Technology

Module aims

Many industrial metal processes and applications involve shaping engineering components via plastic/viscoplastic deformation. These metal forming technologies are used for the manufacture of a range of metal components, such as automotive and aircraft body panels.  This module extends basic solid-mechanics concepts and methods to the modelling and analysis of viscoplastic flow and of metal microstructure evolution during metal forming processes.  It aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the analysis and simulation methods available, and practical exercises in their use. 

ECTS = 10

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, students will be able to:

1. Discuss, using appropriate terminology and concepts, topics related to the advanced forming of engineering materials

2. Analyse problems in the behaviour of metals under stretching, compressive flow and ductile fracture conditions during forming processes

3. Explain and solve the unified viscoplastic constitutive equations used in advanced hot/warm metal forming processes

4. Formulate a forming-process related problem for FE solution using PAM-STAMP

5. Evaluate the results of a forming related simulation or analysis

Module syllabus

Advanced metal forming, materials and process modelling techniques and their applications.

Advanced materials modelling of Elastic-plastic and viscoplastic deformation of metals and their respective application domains. 

Solution of unified constitutive equations.  

FE metal forming process modelling.

Forging and rolling. Slab methods, Tolling, Process planning,

Sheet metal forming. 

Teaching methods

Students will be introduced to the main topics through  lectures (2hrs per week), supported by technology (PowerPoint, Panapto and Blackboard). Computer sessions and ad hoc tutorials sessions will provide an opportunity for interaction with teaching staff where you can discuss specific problems. Learning is further supported by three group projects involving computer simulation.

Assessments

Assessment details        
      Pass mark   
Grading method Numeric   50%
         
         
Assessments        
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark Must pass?
Examination 3 Hour exam 50% 50% N
Coursework Materials modelling; MATLAB, PAM-STAMP 10% 50% N
Coursework Metal-forming process simulation 15% 50% N
Coursework Advanced FE simulation of sheet metal forming process; KBC-FE 25% 50% N

Reading list

Module leaders

Professor Liliang Wang