Hydro-Forming Process Design of Automotive Sub-Frame Side Members for Securing Stiffness by Application of Cross-Sectional Groove
The hydro-forming design process of the sub-frame side members was studied using a high strength steel of 440 MPa in tensile strength. In the part design stage of the side member, the cross section analysis and the overall process design of the part shape were done. In the detailed simulation results, the maximum thickness reduction rate due to hydro-forming was predicted to be 13% and this was predicted to be a safe level without cracking. The end curvature was reduced to increase the stiffness of the part to design more secure parts and two types of grooves were added to the cross section and compared. The thickness reduction rates of the narrow and wide were improved by 18.6% and 15.6%, respectively when the narrow and wide grooves were added.