Numerical simulation and optimization of multidirectional forging for shut-off valve body

Abstract

Shut-off valve bodies are widely used in the petrochemical industry. When oil wells require maintenance or in emergency situations (such as signs of a blowout), these valves can rapidly seal off oil and gas pathways, preventing uncontrolled spills and ensuring personnel and equipment safety. Based on the shape characteristics of this shut-off valve body, a multidirectional forging process was designed. Deform software was employed to numerically simulate the forging process, analyzing the distribution patterns of deformation, temperature, strain, stress, dynamic recrystallization (DRX), and forging load (FL). Response surface optimization was conducted for temperature, punch speed, and friction coefficient, using FL and DRX volume fraction as evaluation metrics. Finite element simulation results indicate that applying the optimized process parameters to forging production yields forgings with excellent forming quality. Forging experiments demonstrate that under the optimized parameters, the forgings exhibit complete forming with no significant defects. Furthermore, their mechanical properties meet product requirements, providing theoretical guidance for the multidirectional forging process of valve bodies.