Targeted Use of Forming Induced Residual Stresses in Metal Components

The Senat of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) decided to implement the priority program „Targeted Use of Forming Induced Residual Stresses in Metal Components” (SPP 2013). The program is designed for a term of six years.

The increased demand for lightweight constructions in industrial productions requires the design, manufacture, and use of application oriented components. Forming manufacturing processes have many advantages over machining processes. Not only are the material utilization and productivity optimized, but also the fiber orientation is adapted to the specific task. This results in increased mechanical characteristics and dynamic strength of formed metal components.

However, internal stresses greatly influence the performance of components manufactured by forming procedures. The state of initial stress is mainly responsible for component failure during the manufacturing process as well as during the use of the component afterwards. For this reason, internal stresses are currently considered as a highly unfavorable characteristic, which has a negative impact on a component’s feasibility.

Efficient models and experimental testing equipment for operational stability already showed promising results for the potential usefulness of internal stresses. Therefore, the objective of the priority program is to regulate and control internal stresses by utilizing forming technologies in order to achieve a positive impact on relevant characteristics of components manufactured by forming processes.