Hot forming processes for metals are of great interest in the domain of air transport applications (due to the possibility of forming parts with complex shapes using hard metal alloys), but the tooling involved in expensive to manufacture and use. Given the extremely demanding operating conditions in terms of temperature and mechanical loads, the lifetime of such tooling is limited. 

 

This project concerns the development of simulation software to predict thermomechanical damage to the tooling used in hot forming processes. The software will enable more accurate prediction of the durability of tooling and optimisation of heating and cooling ramps.