Study on the numerical simulation of the sheet bulging compared by rubber and variable performance elastomer

In flexible-die sheet metal forming, the performance of the flexible die has an important influence on the control of forming process and forming quality. Magnetorheological elastomer(MRE), as a new intelligent material, can change its properties under the action of the external magnetic field. The application of this property in sheet metal forming has a positive effect on the control of sheet metal forming. In this paper, the MRE and rubber elastomer sheet bulging are analyzed and compared by numerical simulation. Results suggest that the variable shear modulus of MRE can alleviate the wall thickness thinning. Under the condition of variable shear modulus, the configuration of bulging formed by the MRE tends to be consistent. The bulging configuration can be controlled by controlling the property of the MRE. Comparison of stress and strain shows that the maximum stress can be relieved and the deformation of the sheet can be improved by controlling the MRE shear modulus.