TITLE:
Mathematical and Numerical Modelling of Copper Tube Extrusion after Optimizing Geometrical and Operating Parameters
AUTHORS:
Ngoy Moïse Raphaël Moramess, Mulaja Tshakatumba Constantin, Tshipeshi Makina Héritier, Ntambwe Sapu Aaron, Tubadi Diamba José, Mwema Mutamba Edouard
KEYWORDS:
Copper Extrusion, Mathematical Modelling, Numerical Simulation, Simplex Algorithm, LS-DYNA Software
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.10 No.2,
March
11,
2022
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to optimize cross-sectional area of the extruder and the flow rate of the material through the extruder. Extrusion process was first modelized using the continuum mechanics method before being simulated with the commercial software LS-DYNA using the Johnson-Cook model based on the finite element method after optimization of the factors with simplex algorithm. The study was carried out on a connecting rod: diameter of 145 mm, cross-section of 1.65 m2, length of 0.25 m, volume of 0.41 m3 and a mass of 37 kg. Optimum parameters obtained were temperature of 850℃, flow rate of 0.237 m/s, die diameter of 19.2 mm, pin diameter of 14 mm, extrusion strength of 565.6 kN and press pressure of 245 GPa. From these factors, a blank was obtained with external and internal diameters of 19.2 and 14 mm respectively over a length of 28 m with a thickness of 2.6 mm. Simulation using LS-DYNA software resulted in a difference in values of 7.4% between optimization and simulation when the difference of 2.4% was found between modelling and simulation. These values make the process optimal for industrial application to improve the extrusion requirements of copper tubes.