Abstract:
Sheet metal parts are often of irregular shape and are formed in processes that are complicated and in which the outcome depends on the interaction between a number of material, tooling and process variables. Except for parts of very simple geometry, there are no complete solutions, nevertheless it is possible to develop a systematic approach. It is the object in this thesis to identify a computer-based engineering system for sheet metal forming and to develop a number of elements of such a system. A particular feature is the introduction of an iterative approach to process design; the outcome of a trial design is tested either by experiment or simulation and any discrepancy is employed in a rational way to up-date the design procedure. Such an iterative process was carried out giving a satisfactory result......