Joining of Tubular Parts by Electromagnetic Forming; Experimental Investigations

Electromagnetic forming is a high speed forming process, wherein the forming pressure is created by high energy density electromagnetic pulse. Besides direct shaping there are other application areas as well, so electromagnetic plastic forming is a potential field of creating joints between tube and rod-like components. Connecting components of dissimilar materials is an increasing demand in the manufacturing process of structures in the automotive industry. The application of new technologies, such as electrodynamic, especially electromagnetic forming, is a possible method to satisfy these demands. The article summarizes the most important fundamentals of electromagnetic forming; in particular, tube-rod joints, the main types of such joints; interference-fit and form-fit joints are described. Experiments, which were carried out producing tube-rod joints with electromagnetic forming, are also introduced. A new type of form-fit joints for tube-rod connections has been developed, which can withstand not only tensile loads but also torsion. Experiments and mechanical tests have proved the applicability of this kind of joints.