Study on stiffness characteristics of a new variable-thickness rolled blank with manufacturing constraint

ABSTRACT

Variable-thickness rolled blank (VRB) technique is one of the most effective methods to improve the level of lightweight and stiffness characteristics of car body. The shape of thickness transition zone (TTZ) is a key factor for the stiffness characteristics of VRB. For better stiffness characteristics of VRB, a new thickness distribution function (i.e. double-power function) of the transitional zone of VRB is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the mathematical model of the VRB with double-power thickness distribution function is established under manufacturing constraint. Secondly, the static stiffness characteristics of VRB with double-power thickness distribution function are compared with that of the VRB with linear thickness distribution and polynomial thickness distribution under the same weight, respectively. The results show that the static stiffness of the VRB with double-power thickness distribution function owns best characteristics. Finally, the mathematical model of the rolling velocity is established, and the influence of the shape of double-power TTZ on rolling velocity is analysed. The outcome of this work can provide some useful guidance for investigating the rollability of the VRB with double-power thickness distribution function, as well as for designing the stiffness of car body outer panels.

KEYWORDS:

• Variable-thickness rolled blank (VRB)
• lightweight
• double-power function
• manufacturing constraint
• stiffness characteristic

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [51805221]; Research Project funded by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [2018M640460].