A Numerical Simulation of Forming Processes for Semi-solid Materials

A finite element method to analyze the forming of semi-solid materials is presented, where a compressible viscoplastic constitutive model is introduced in the averaged solid phase, and Darcy's law is employed for the liquid flow in the interdendritic space. The method is applied to typical forming processes such as extrusion, forging, and rolling. The densification and the lquid flow are investigated for various parameters of material properties and forming conditions.