July 26, 2024
Report

Electrohydraulic Forming of Near-Net Shape Automotive Panels - Final CRADA Report

Abstract

This report provides the results of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) project between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Ford Motor Company intended to demonstrate the relevance of using the electrohydraulic forming (EHF) process as a near-net-shape automotive panel manufacturing technology to simultaneously reduce the energy embedded in vehicles and the energy consumed while producing automotive structures. The application of EHF by automotive manufacturers and their suppliers could significantly reduce the amount of tooling, manufacturing equipment, and material input compared to conventional stamping technologies, while at the same time producing superior, near-net-shape stampings and parts. EHF represents a highly viable manufacturing technology because of its ability to form all types of sheet materials. Furthermore, the EHF process has been used to produce prototype components for commercialization evaluations at Ford. Given the results of this project, including the tensile tests and modeling presented in this report and further work performed internally at Ford, Ford Motor Company will remain active in the development and commercialization of the EHF manufacturing method.

Published: July 26, 2024

Citation

Soulami A., M.T. Smith, A. Rohatgi, and R.W. Davies. 2012. Electrohydraulic Forming of Near-Net Shape Automotive Panels - Final CRADA Report Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.