Some alloys exhibit superplastic behaviour under controlled temperature and strain-rate conditions. Superplasticity refers to the capacity of the material to undergo very large permanent deformations without breaking. This allows forming some complex parts through a continuous deformation process.

The simulation of this process, in which Principia has gathered considerable experience, makes it possible to calibrate pressures and temperatures to maintain the superplastic behaviour, as well as to predict the distribution of thicknesses and other characteristics of the part being formed. It also allows minimising the duration of the forming process, thus optimising the performance of the forming equipment.

The figures show an aerospace part manufactured by this process, as well as the thickness distribution predicted by numerical simulation under a given set of forming conditions.

The forming process of some elements, however familiar they might be in everyday life, may give rise to relatively complex modelling problems. In spite of this, the numerical simulation of such processes may be required when trying to design and optimise the forming process.

The images shown were generated in the course of the analyses conducted to study the threading of bulbs. The thin metal shell must be permanently deformed for it to acquire the desired geometry of the thread.