Application of an inverse FE approach in the concurrent design of sheet stamping

Abstract

Based on an inverse finite-element (FE) algorithm and the program developed, an approach to the concurrent engineering (CE) design of sheet metal forming products and processes is proposed for preliminary design. Compatible representations of part geometry and meshing, together with the procedures for building optimal input models for inverse FE analysis, are discussed. With a commercially available software, P3/PATRAN, product geometry and input models for process simulations are built, pertinent data being extracted for the inverse FEA program. As a result, process simulations are carried out without the necessity of defining the initial blank and the geometry of tools, thus simplifying the design process and enabling the designer to look into the formability and quality of the product being designed. Also, the product geometry and process parameters can be revised and easily changed to meet design-for-manufacturability for arbitrary three-dimensional problems.