Simulation of isothermal forging of compressor disc by combined numerical and physical modelling techniques

The process design, preform and die-designs for a sub-scale compressor disc for an aero engine have been investigated with the help of a finite element method numerical model and two physcial models. The physical models employed in these investigations are a layered coloured-plasticine model and an aluminium-alloy model. The law of similarity was followed for the physical models. Optimization of the size and shape of the preforms, the die-filling, the prediction of the load and the microstructure was carried out for each of the three models.