Adaptive finite element simulation of sheet forming process parameters

The forming processes are influenced by several parameters including dimensions of blank, shape of the tools, mechanical properties of the blank material and type of forming process. In the present study, the sheet metal forming process with varying process parameter is simulated using the adaptive finite element techniques. In an adaptive finite element simulation, the element mesh is automatically refined, coarsened or mesh relocated optimally in areas of insufficient accuracy and sharp strain gradients. A recovery type error estimator based on the energy norm is used for guiding the h-refinement. The simulation results of sheet forming process parameters, namely type of forming process i.e. stretching and drawing, thickness of sheet and, sheet radius and punch radius ratio, are presented and discussed. It is found that the efficiency of process simulation increases with an increase in sheet thickness and decreases with an increase in radius ratios under both stretching and drawing processes.