Numerical Simulation of JCO/JCOE Pipe Forming

Multi-step bending is the key manufacturing technology of large-diameter straight seam submerged arc weld (LSAW) pipes JCO. The aim of this search is to predict the precise final geometry of the pipe after forming because the considerable elastic recovery during unloading leading to springback affects the precision in dimension. In this study the JCO forming process for X-80 pipe with wall thickness of 22 mm and diameter of 1219 mm has been modeled numerically using finite element analysis method based on the basic theory of bending. In particular, this study finds optimum punch displacement varying its values. The numerical results agree with the experimental ones with a reasonable accuracy.