Search Results

Functioning as an introduction to modern mechanics principles and various applications that deal with the science, mathematics and technical aspects of sheet metal forming, Mechanics Modeling of Sheet Metal Forming details theoretically sound formulations based on principles of continuum mechanics for finite or large deformation, which can then be implemented into simulation codes. The forming processes of complex panels by computer codes, in addition to extensive practical examples, are recreated throughout the many chapters of this book in order to benefit practicing engineers by helping them better understand the output of simulation software.

In this paper, a predictive method is developed to determine the forming limit strain and fracture limit strain in a stamped automotive component subjected to a complex strain history that would be experienced during an actual forming operation. The method of analysis is based on a damage mechanics model developed recently by the authors and extended to take into account the hysteretic effects of the principal strain and damage planes. The forming limit and fracture limit strains are then predicted using the modified damage model. Satisfactory predictions have been achieved for a practical case where the complex strain history is prescribed based an actual stamping operation.

A failure prediction methodology that can predict sheet metal failure under arbitrary deformation histories including rotating principal stretch directions and bending/unbending with consideration of damage evolution is reviewed in this paper. An anisotropic Gurson yield criterion is adopted to characterize the effects of microvoids on the load carrying capacity of sheet metals where Hill’s quadratic anisotropic yield criterion is used to describe the matrix normal anisotropy and planar isotropy. The evolution of the void damage is based on the growth, nucleation and coalescence of microvoids. Mroz’s anisotropic hardening rule, which was proposed based on the cyclic plastic behavior of metals observed in experiments, is generalized to characterize the anisotropic hardening behavior due to loading/unloading with consideration of the evolution of void volume fraction. The effects of yield surface curvature are also included in the plasticity model.

Present models and methods for simulations of sheet metal forming processes are reviewed in this paper. Because of rapid progress of computer hardware, complex computations, formerly impossible to perform due to high computational cost, are now feasible. Therefore, more realistic and computational intensive models are suggested for finite elements, materials, and frictional forces. Also, simulation methods suitable for sheet metal forming processes are recommended. Four numerical examples at the end of the paper are presented to support the recommendations.

An automotive part formed by 10-step drawing has been simulated by finite element method aiming to reduce forming steps. The reduction of forming steps can be achieved by optimum design of tooling shapes and other process parameters per each step. The ultimate goal will be to apply the derivative based optimization scheme or any knowledge-based system to these kinds of multi-step forming problems. However, as an initial step, we determined the minimum forming steps and optimum tooling shapes using heuristic manner, insight, design rules and testing with finite element analysis incorporated with a damage model. As a result, the 10-step drawing is reduced to 6-step drawing as a practical optimum solution.