Using a Geometric Toolkit to Link Finite Element Calculations in Sheet Metal Forming Analysis

Sheet metal forming of automobile body panel consists of two processes performed in series: binder forming and punch forming. Due to differences in deformation characteristics of the two forming processes, their analysis methods are different. The binder wrap surface shape and formed part shape are calculated using different mathematical models and different finite element codes, e.g., WRAPFORM and PANELFORM, respectively.

The output of the binder forming analysis may not be directly applicable to the subsequent punch forming analysis. Interpolation, or approximation, of the calculated binder wrap surface geometry is needed. This surface representation requirement is carried out using computer aided geometric design tools. This paper discusses the use of such a tool, SURFPLAN, to link WRAPFORM and PANELFORM calculations. By SURFPLAN, an interpolated Bezier surface and an approximated C¹ smooth Bezier surface are obtained based on the WRAPFORM calculated node points on the binder wrap surface. The approximated binder wrap surface geometry is used in punch forming analysis by PANELFORM. Two examples are presented.