ANALYSIS OF UNCONVENTIONAL TEE FORMING ON METAL TUBES

The object of this paper is to present a theoretical analysis of uncon ventional forming of tee junction on tube using elastomer rod. The pro cess was performed by applying one continuous compression cycle to the tube and the elastomer simultaneously using a specially developed mac hine. The slab method was used to obtain a number of equilibrium equat ions. These equations take into account the induced stresses acting on infinitesimal elements considered at various regions of the formed te e junction. Special geometrical technique was used to maintain continu ity between these zones, such as, straight, curved, tee, and domed par ts of the tee junction. The experiments were performed on materials wi th different work hardening characteristics. Comparison between theore tical and experimental results arc found to be in good agreement.