Abstract
As a first stage in the development of a large, double-acting, petrol combustion actuated, high energy-rate forming machine, a compressed-air driven device was designed and constructed. This was intended to be a research vehicle for establishing general design principles, particularly as far as the structural configurations and the method of platen synchronization were concerned. The characteristic design features of this machine are discussed and an appraisal of the design is given.
Experiments were carried out with the aim of (1) determining the net energy output of the machine and (2) finding the maximum platen approach velocity for a range of values of the initial charge pressure. For the determination of the energy output of the machine, calibrated crush-gauges were used, the results being cross-checked by measuring the maximum relative velocity between the platens, and from this and the weight of the moving masses finding the maximum kinetic energy. For the determination of the maximum platen approach velocity, electric velocity transducers were used, the results being checked with the aid of a high-speed ciné camera. The maximum energy output of the machine was found to be 75 000 ft lb, which was attained with a maximum impact velocity of 80 ft/s, as aimed at in the design of the machine. Some typical examples of hot forgings produced with the machine are also presented.
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