Computer Simulation of the Forging of Fine Grain IN-718 Alloy

In recent years, there has been great emphasis on the use of computer-aided tools in process design. The key to the success of any computer modeling is the accurate knowledge of the mechanical and thermal properties of the various components of a manufacturing system. In order to develop a data base of forging properties of the nickel-base alloy IN-718, isothermal constant strain-rate compression tests were conducted on the annealed fine-grain material over the temperature range 871 °C to 1149 °C (1600 °F to 2100 °F) and strain-rate range 0. 001 to 10 s−1. Empirical relationships among flow stress, strain rate, and temperature developed based on these tests, along with experimentally measured heat-transfer and friction coefficients, were used in the program ALPID to simulate nonisothermal forging of “double-cone” specimens. The simulation results were compared with actual forging in an industrial forge press. The good agreement between simulation and forging results indicates that when a complete data base of materials properties is available, computer modeling can be used effectively to study the forging process.