Effect of gap generator blank thickness on formability in multilayer stamp forming process

Experimental and numerical analyses for the effect of the thickness of gap generator blank (GGB) on the formability of the outer blanks were investigated. The thickness of the GGB has the greatest impact on the thinning of the lowest blank. In addition, the friction at different regions and the additional interlayer contacts can also affect the thinning of different regions as well as increase the punch force. This work will enhance the understanding of simultaneous multi-layered blanks forming and will help the composite design engineers to tailor requirement-specific hybrid parts such as fiber metal laminates (FMLs) and functionally graded structures (FGSs) for hi-tech applications.