ABSTRACT
An inherent limitation of conventional aluminum alloys is that they are unstable when plastically deformed by stretching which leads to catastrophic necking when tensile testing and limitations on uniform deformation during stretch forming under tensile stress. This has led to the development of superplastic forming (SPF) process development used for the production of products for structural and non-structural applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, architecture, transport and others. This article provides a general overview of superplastic forming and addresses: identification and characterization of superplastic alloys, processing of superplastic alloys, cavitation and failure, superplastic forming, simulation, and applications and mechanical properties.
