Investigation of the Effect of Pilgering Process Parameters on Deformation Behavior of an Austenitic Stainless Steel

Finite element (FE) simulations in conjunction with experimental analysis were carried out to characterize the deformation behavior of an AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) during cold pilgering process. The effect of process parameters including feed rate (4 and 8 mm) and turn angle (15, 30 and 60°) on damage build-up were also evaluated. The Johnson-cook model was used to simulate the flow behavior of material. By considering compressive stresses, a new revised Latham-Cockcraft damage was calculated and used to determine the optimum process parameters. It was found that the radial and hoop strains in all friction conditions were compressive, while the axial strains were observed to be tensile. The amount of strain (whether it is compressive or tensile strain) was also higher on the outside of the tube compared to its inside. By considering fatigue cycles of a tube element during the process, the feed rate of 8mm, turn angle of 60° and the lowest coefficient of friction were determined as optimum parameters.