A theoretical and experimental study on forming limit diagram for a seamed tube hydroforming

The purpose of this work is to establish the forming limit diagram (FLD) for a seamed tube hydroforming. A new theoretical model is developed to predict the FLD for a seamed tube hydroforming. Based on this theoretical model, the FLD for a seamed tube made of QSTE340 sheet metal is calculated by using the Hosford yield criterion. Some forming limit experiments are performed. A classical free hydroforming tool set is used for obtaining the left hand side forming limit strains, and a novel hydroforming tool set is designed for the right hand side of FLD. The novel device required the simultaneous application of lateral compression force and internal pressure to control the material flow under tension–tension strain states. Furthermore, the suitable loading paths for the left hand side of FLD by theoretical formulas and for the right hand side of FLD by finite element (FE) simulations are calculated. Finally, a comparison between the theoretical results and experimental data is performed. The theoretical predicting results show good agreement with the experimental results.