Flexible Chain-die forming is a novel UQ patented advanced sheet metal forming technology which aims at manufacturing stronger, lighter and cheaper advanced high strength steel (AHSS) parts with improved quality and substantially lower energy consumption for many industries such automotive and clean energy systems.

The purpose of this research is to design, manufacture and optimize the advanced forming approach and the corresponding control system through analytical, numerical and experimental approaches. Flexible Chain-die forming is a highly non-linear complex deformation mechanism, where the deformation history of the sheet metal can be carefully designed due to the constraints provided by the tooling. These will result in significantly lowered longitudinal strain development, leading to a range of new products, lower cost of manufacturing by using fewer forming stands and smaller footprint.

The research will involve the development of an elasto-plastic finite element simulation model, analytical design of the transitional surface, the development of the control system, and experimental work to validate the performance of the designed system.

Hence, two PhD candidates are required as described:

PhD student 1 will focus on the mechanical design and realization of the advanced Flexible Chain-die forming process.

PhD student 2 will focus on the optimization of the tooling geometry and forming process.

All applicants must apply online at:

https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/development-and-investigation-advanced-flexible-chain-die-forming-process