Abstract: A method of forming an elongated metal blank into a structural component having a predetermined outer configuration. The method includes providing a shape imparting cavity or shell section formed from a rigid material which includes an inner surface defining the predetermined shape, placing the metal blank into the cavity or shell section, and forming the metal blank into the component by heating axial portions of the metal blank and forcing a fluid at a high pressure into the metal blank until the metal blank at least partially conforms to at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity or shell section to form the structural component.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated tubular blank into a tubular structural component having a predetermined outer configuration, the method comprising: providing a shape imparting shell formed from a low permeability, rigid material which includes an inner surface defining the predetermined shape, plugging the open ends of the tubular blank, placing the plugged blank into the shell, and forming the tubular blank into the tubular component by inductively heating axial portions of the blank by axially spaced conductors adjacent the shell while or before forcing gas at a high pressure into the plugged blank until the blank conforms to at least a portion of the inner surface of the shell to form the structural component.