An investigation of the shearing performance and sheared surface characterisation of ultra-strength DP steel-Al explosive welded plate composite

This study investigated the manufacturability of ultra-strength steel-Al plate composite, the punch-cutting performance of these composites and base materials, and the cutting surface properties. Therefore, experimental studies included explosive welding, punching process, and materials characterisations (microstructure and sheared surface image analyses via SEM, hardness and tensile test). In the punching process, five different types of punches were used. Additionally, the load cell was mounted on the punch and connected to the computer by an amplifier and a data acquisition card; the force values corresponding to the processing times were directly monitored, and the data were obtained. Shear process analyses were performed using finite elements. Microstructure and mechanical test results show that the DP1200 steel-Al 1100 aluminium laminated bimetal composite was produced by explosive welding of acceptable quality. The flat punch showed the highest shearing force, and other punches (angled and concave ends) reduced the shearing forces P R2, P V16, P R1, and P 16, respectively. Punches with different cutting-edge forms reduced the shearing force by up to 75%. The sheared surfaces were investigated in detail. Shearing marks were observed on both sides of the bimetal similarly. The punching process force vs time results showed good agreement between modelling and experimental punching values.