Manufacturing process of plane rim from aluminium alloy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of research was to work out manufacturing technology of plane rim from 2618A aluminium alloy based on hammer forging process.

Design/methodology/approach

It was assumed that the manufacturing process consists of die hammer forging and machining. The first stage of the research works was based on designing of the forging process and on numerical simulations in which finite element method was used. On the basis of calculations results, analysis of deformation parameters in the drop forging was made and the rightness of the worked out technology was verified. The second stage of the research works concerned experiments conducted in industrial conditions. Forging dies were constructed and the forging process of a series of drop forgings was carried out. Next machining was done to obtain finished parts.

Findings

The conducted research works on the forging process on hammer of the rim drop forging from 2618A aluminium alloy showed that the application of this technology allows for obtaining the product of good quality. Manufactured rims were destined for exploitative research works, aiming at getting certificate that would allow for their implementation in planes.

Practical implications

The rim is being prepared for implementation in small planes of considerably large wheels load.

Originality/value

The presented hammer forging method of plane rim has not been used so far. In the case of applying the rims in planes building, not only industrial plants with large forging presses but also forgeries with die hammers will be able to produce these parts.

Citation

Drozdowski, K., Tofil, A., Gontarz, A., Pater, Z. and Tomczak, J. (2013), "Manufacturing process of plane rim from aluminium alloy", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 85 No. 6, pp. 487-492. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-10-2012-0179