Influence of Element Number on Shape Accuracy in Multi-Point Stretch Forming of Air Craft

Multi-point stretch forming is a flexible manufacturing technique for three-dimensional shape forming of craft skin. Its die surface is constructed by many pairs of matrices of elements whose height is controlled by computer. It uses the curved surface of elements instead of the die surface. The element numberis an important parameter because it has great influence on the part quality. This paper simulates the forming process of paraboloid part and saddle-shaped part with different number of elements and studies the influence of element number on the shape accuracy of the part .That will provides guidance for the application of multi-point stretch forming.