Method and device for simulating bending of a tube

Abstract

A method for simulating bending of a tube by means of at least one bending machine comprises a step of calculating at least one cycle of bending commands (30) related to at least one tube-manufacturing parameter as a function of a set of tube data (10) and of a set of technological data (20). There is obtained at least one three-dimensional geometric model (40) of at least one bending machine and associated mechanical tools as a function of at least one parameter (50) derived from the cycle of bending commands (30) calculated in this way. In accordance with the cycle of bending commands calculated in this way, obtaining a three-dimensional and kinematic simulation of the process in which the tube represented in this way by the set of tube data (10) is bent by means of at least one bending machine and associated mechanical tools represented in this way by the corresponding three-dimensional geometric model (40). There is verified the possibility of manufacturing the tube by means of a bending machine and associated mechanical tools during the three-dimensional and kinematic simulation obtained in this way.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to simulating the bending of pipes. [0002] It is used in many fields, especially in aviation, where the pipe needs to be carefully designed so that it can be manufactured and installed in the aircraft. Background technique [0003] By pipe is here meant any transport element capable of transporting a hydraulic, pneumatic fluid, water flow or the like of hydrocarbons. [0004] In the ensuing description, we consider that a pipe is composed of several straight sections connected by arc-shaped elbows, and that the whole pipe is composed of a single piece obtained by plastic deformation of the original straight pipe. A group of fittings assembled from fittings is defined as a piping system. The fitting is thus defined by the coordinates of its endpoints, the coordinates of the fracture defining the position of the arc-shaped elbow, the ratio between the radius of curvature of the elbow and the diameter of the fitting. [...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] However, such CAD tools do not help the designer to theoretically predict which pipe bender and related mechanical tools are suitable or capable of correctly bending a pipe defined according to predetermined standards

[0010] Likewise, in production, such CAD tools do not provide the operator with the assistance to theoretically identify a set of fittings identified by fitting selection criteria, such as fitting material, on a new pipe bender

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