Title: FE simulation of shape accuracy using the Multi-Point Stretch-Forming process

Authors: Shao-Hui Wang, Zhong-Yi Cai, Ming-Zhe Li

Addresses: Roll Forging Research Institute, Jilin University (Nanling Campus), 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, PR China. ' Roll Forging Research Institute, Jilin University (Nanling Campus), 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, PR China. ' Roll Forging Research Institute, Jilin University (Nanling Campus), 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, PR China

Abstract: Multi-Point Stretch Forming (MPSF) is a new technique to form aircraft outer skin parts. In MPSF, the sheet metal is formed over a discontinuous surface of discrete stretching die. The size of punch element of multi-point die, the thickness of sheet metal and the thickness of elastic cushion are the important factors to affect the accuracy of MPSF part. In this paper, a series of numerical simulations on MPSF processes were carried out, and the shape error and the non-uniformity in thickness distribution of MPSF part were analysed. The results show the influences of the punch element size, the sheet metal thickness and the elastic cushion on forming results.

Keywords: MPSF parts; multi-point stretch forming; sheet metal forming; dimples; shape error; numerical simulation; FEM; finite element method; shape accuracy; aircraft outer skin; punch element size; sheet metal thickness; elastic cushion thickness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2010.032101

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2010 Vol.38 No.2/3, pp.223 - 236

Published online: 10 Mar 2010 *

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