Sheet Metal Stamping Analysis and Process Design based on the Inverse Approach

The simplified (one step) method also called 'inverse approach'(IA) for the numerical analysis of the stamping process has been continuously developed by the authors since the end of the eighties (1, 2, 3, 4). In the present paper we recall the main finite element formulation aspects of a robust IA analysis code, called FAST_STAMP, for an efficient estimation of the large elastoplastic strains (in particular the thickness strains) encountered in deep drawing operations. Our results will be presented and compared with others, obtained either from experiments or from incremental codes such as ABAQUS or STAMPACK. The presentation includes 'math based' optimization algorithms and strategies for process parameter design. The cost functions and constraints are mainly express to reduce or control the thickness changes, the localized necking, the wrinkling tendency, the springback effects after forming. The design variables are describing the shape of the blank and the tools, the restraining forces due to drawbeads, material properties such as anisotropy coefficient and hardening exponent. Results will be presented to show the actual capabilities of the coupled analysis and optimization strategy with application to the design of stamping parameters.