Sheet forming is the most common process used in metal forming and is therefore constantly being adapted or modified to suit the needs of forming composite sheets. Due to the increasing availability of various types of fibre reinforced polymeric sheets, especially with thermoplastic matrices, the scope of use of such materials is rapidly expanding in the automobile, building, sports and other manufacturing industries beyond the traditional areas of aerospace and aircraft applications. This book contains twelve chapters and attempts to cover different aspects of sheet forming including both thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. In view of the expanded role of fibre reinforced composite sheets in the industry, the book also describes some non-traditional applications, processes and analytical techniques involving such materials.The first chapter is a brief introduction to the principles of sheet metal forming. The next two chapters introduce the various forms of materials, manufacturing techniques and the fundamentals of computer simulation. Chapter 4 describes the different aspects of thermoforming of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics and the following chapter studies the shear and frictional behaviour of composite sheets during forming. Chapter 6 explores the possibility of applying the grid strain analysis method in continuous fibre reinforced polymeric sheets. The next two chapters address fundamental concepts and recent developments in finite element modelling and rheology. Chapter 9 introduces the theory of bending of thermoplastic composite sheets and shows a novel way of determining both longitudinal and transverse viscosities through vee-bend tests. A significant expansion in the usage of composite materials is taking place in biomedical areas. Chapter 10 discusses the thermoforming of knitted fabric reinforced thermoplastics for load bearing and anisotropic bio-implants. The final chapter introduces roll forming, a commonly used rapid manufacturing process for sheet metals, and discusses the possibility of applying it economically for continuous reinforced thermoplastic sheets.

Provides a basic understanding of plastics processing technology at a level suitable for technicians, managers, buyers, quality assurance personnel, and engineers who have minimal experience with plastics. Highlights the key aspects of materials, thermodynamics, fluid technology, control, and tool/p

Over the last 15 years, the application of innovative steel concepts in the automotive industry has increased steadily. Numerical simulation technology of hot forming of high-strength steel allows engineers to modify the formability of hot forming steel metals and to optimize die design schemes. Theories, Methods and Numerical Technology of Sheet Metal Cold and Hot Forming focuses on hot and cold forming theories, numerical methods, relative simulation and experiment techniques for high-strength steel forming and die design in the automobile industry. Theories, Methods and Numerical Technology of Sheet Metal Cold and Hot Forming introduces the general theories of cold forming, then expands upon advanced hot forming theories and simulation methods, including: the forming process, constitutive equations, hot boundary constraint treatment, and hot forming equipment and experiments. Various calculation methods of cold and hot forming, based on the authors’ experience in commercial CAE software for sheet metal forming, are provided, as well as a discussion of key issues, such as hot formability with quenching process, die design and cooling channel design in die, and formability experiments. Theories, Methods and Numerical Technology of Sheet Metal Cold and Hot Forming will enable readers to develop an advanced knowledge of hot forming, as well as to apply hot forming theories, calculation methods and key techniques to direct their die design. It is therefore a useful reference for students and researchers, as well as automotive engineers.

Composites are versatile engineered materials composed of two or more constituent materials which, when combined, lead to improved properties over the individual components whilst remaining separate on a macroscopic level. Due to their versatility, composite materials are used in a variety of areas ranging from healthcare and civil engineering to spacecraft technology. Composites forming technologies reviews the wealth of research in forming high-quality composite materials.The book begins with a concise explanation of the forming mechanisms and characterisation for composites, as well as covering modelling and analysis of forming techniques. Further chapters discuss the testing and simulation of composite materials forming. The book also considers forming technologies for various composite material forms including thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg, moulding compounds and composite/metal laminates.With its distinguished editor and array of international contributors, Composites forming technologies is an essential reference for engineers, researchers and academics involved with the production and use of composite materials. - Reviews the wealth of research in forming high-quality composite materials - Includes a concise explanation of the forming mechanisms and charaterisation for composites - Considers forming technologies for various composite material forms

The Handbook of Flexible and Smart Sheet Forming Techniques presents a collection of research on state-of-art techniques developed specifically for flexible and smart sheet forming, with a focus on using analytical strategies and computational, simulation, and AI approaches to develop innovative sheet forming techniques. Bringing together various engineering perspectives, the book emphasizes how these manufacturing techniques intersect with Industry 4.0 technologies for applications in the mechanical, automobile, industrial, aerospace, and medical industries. The first section of the book introduces the concepts, classifications, variants, process cycles, and materials for flexible and smart sheet forming techniques and compares them with other conventional sheet forming processes. Subsequent sections delve deeper into topics such as: hardware and software required for these techniques; parameters, responses, and optimization strategies; the mechanics of flexible and smart sheet forming; simulation approaches; applications; and future innovations and directions. Each chapter will feature research outcomes, illustrations, case studies, and examples useful to anyone who needs to better understand and utilize these new manufacturing technologies.

Metal forming processes include bulk forming and sheet metal forming with numerous applications. This book covers some of the latest developments aspects of these processes such as numerical simulations to achieve optimum combinations and to get insight into process capability. Implementation of new technologies to improve performance based on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technologies are also discussed, including the use of CAD/CAM/CAE techniques to enhance precision in manufacturing. Applications of AI/ML, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the role of tribological aspects in green engineering are included to suit Industry 4.0. Features: Covers latest developments in various sheet metal forming processes Discusses improvements in numerical simulation with various material models Proposes improvements by optimum combination of process parameters Includes finite element simulation of processes and formability Presents a review on techniques to produce ultra-fine-grained materials This book is aimed at graduate students, engineers, and researchers in sheet metal forming, materials processing and their applications, finite element analysis, manufacturing, and production engineering.

There is a wealth of literature on modeling and simulation of polymer composite manufacturing processes. However, existing books neglect to provide a systematic explanation of how to formulate and apply science-based models in polymer composite manufacturing processes. Process Modeling in Composites Manufacturing, Second Edition provides tangible methods to optimize this process — and it remains a proven, powerful introduction to the basic principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Includes tools to develop an experience base to aid in modeling a composite manufacturing process Building on past developments, this new book updates the previous edition’s coverage of process physics and the state of modeling in the field. Exploring research derived from experience, intuition, and trial and error, the authors illustrate a state-of-the-art understanding of mass, momentum, and energy transfer during composites processing. They introduce computer-based solutions using MATLAB® code and flow simulation-based analysis, which complement closed-form solutions discussed in the book, to help readers understand the role of different material, geometric, and process parameters. This self-contained primer provides an introduction to modeling of composite manufacturing processes for anyone working in material science and engineering, industrial, mechanical, and chemical engineering. It introduces a scientific basis for manufacturing, using solved example problems which employ calculations provided in the book. End-of-chapter questions and problems and fill in the blanks sections reinforce the content in order to develop the experience base of the manufacturing, materials, and design engineer or scientists, as well as seniors and first-year graduate students.