Finite Element and Experimental Investigation of Aluminum Tube by Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Productions of metallic ultra-fine and Nano microstructure have been addressed by researchers and engineers in recent years. The purpose of the production of these materials with specific procedures is to achieve lightweight parts with high strength and capabilities. Various methods for manufacturing solid round or square sections using equal channel angular pressing have been offered by researchers. However, few researches have been reported the production of pipes with high strength-to-weight property. A direct extrusion method is proposed for the production of high-strength tubes. Aluminum alloy 3003 that is widely used in industries because of the structural characteristics of a cold working is used in this study. Previous studies have been focused on channel angle of 90o, but in this study, angles above 90o are investigated. Strain and stress distribution results in finite element simulation have been used to obtain the optimal internal and external channel angles. The optimal channel angles are first investigated by simulation results. The required die with optimal channel angles was then manufactured and the samples were experimentally tested. The results showed that the use of these angles with optimal channel angels in equal channel angular presses for aluminum 3003 tube increases significantly the tensile strength and hardness.