Electrohydraulic Forming of Light Weight Automotive Panels

This paper describes the results of development of the electrohydraulic forming (EHF) process as a near-net shape automotive panel manufacturing technology. EHF is an electro-dynamic process based upon high-voltage discharge of capacitors between two electrodes positioned in a fluid-filled chamber. This process is extremely fast, uses lowercost single-sided tooling, and potentially derives significantly increased formability from many sheet metal materials due to the elevated strain rate. Major results obtained during this study include: developing numerical model of the EHF; demonstrating increased formability for high-strength materials and other technical benefits of using EHF; developing the electrode design suitable for high volume production conditions; understanding the limitations on loads on the die in pulsed forming conditions; developing an automated fully computer controlled and robust EHF cell; demonstration of electrohydraulic springback calibration and electrohydraulic trimming of stamped panels; full scale demonstration of a hybrid conventional and EHF forming process for automotive dash panel.