FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF SHEET FORMING PROCESSES

The paper discusses several aspects of the simulation of sheet forming processes using finite elements. We begin with a brief description of the class of problems treated, emphasizing the main deformation modes present. The choice of finite element type for modelling the sheet-continuum, shell, membrane, or special purpose-is discussed in relation to the geometrical simplifications made with respect to deformation. We pay particular attention to the kinematic implementation of membrane (plane stress) deformation. Modelling problems associated with the interaction between the sheet and dies are then discussed: in particular, problems related to rigid surface representation and friction. A simplified model of drawbeads is described, which allows for macro-representation of this die detail. Some practical application examples are included to illustrate these points. The paper concludes with a general discussion of developments which we believe to be desirable for this type of simulation.