Contribution in the evaluation of a performance index of hot forging dies

Abstract

The present paper focuses on a new concept of evaluation of a performance index of hot forging dies through the combination of a process behaviour model and a reliability approach analysis of the forging process. The process behaviour is modelled and simulated using the computer-aided engineering FORGE® tool that allowed optimizing the forging parameters and determining the stresses and strains together with temperatures during the forging process and also identifying the factors affecting the die life. The respective reliability mechanical model is developed and reliability simulations have been conducted using PHIMECASoft tool in order to evaluate the reliability index β and determine the sensitivity of the variations in the random values of the input parameters of the forging process. The concept of this contribution has been applied to real industrial dies used to forge automotive steering levers produced in the forging workshop of the Ferrovial Company of Annaba in Algeria. The performance index is given by the number of forged parts corresponding to the reliability index of the dies before failure occurs.