Study on compound spinning technology of large thin-walled parts with ring inner ribs and curvilinear generatrix

Given their rapid development, aerospace and other high-tech industries are in urgent need of process technology for large complex thin-walled shells represented by large thin-walled parts with ring inner ribs and curvilinear generatrix. To make up for the deficiency in existing forming methods, this paper presents a compound spinning process that integrates counter-roller spinning, multi-neck spinning, and hot spinning. The finite element models for the counter-roller spinning and multi-neck spinning forming of such parts are established, and these models can simulate the influences of different spinning process parameters on workpiece maximum equivalent stress and maximum ovality. The 2A12 aluminum alloy tube blank is used in this paper. The process parameters for obtaining the counter-roller spinning for such parts are as follows: a feed ratio of 1.0 mm/r and a roller nose radius of 8 mm. The process parameters of multi-neck spinning are as follows: a feed ratio of 3.0 mm/r and a roller nose radius of 80 mm; and the forming temperature of hot spinning is 200–250 °C. Verification by a compound spinning test found that the numerical simulation results are consistent with the process test results. The process parameters can be used for guiding the actual production of large thin-walled parts with ring inner ribs and curvilinear generatrix.