Numerical study on the X80 UOE pipe forming process

The UOE process is an effective approach for manufacturing large-diameter submerged-arc welding pipes used in oil and gas pipelines. A UOE process comprises the successive procedures of crimping, U-forming, O-forming, joining, welding, and expanding. In this study, a two-dimensional finite element model of UOE forming process is established and all the forming stages of an X80 high strength steel pipe are numerically studied. A kinematic...