Numerical simulation of flexible blank drawer formation

This paper presents a finite element model for a technology of Fexible Blank Drawer Formation (FBDF) for the forming process.In order to verify the feasibility and versatility of the FBDF technology, we performed numerical simulations for multi-point saddle-shaped parts, and for convex curved surface and hemispherical parts. We analysed the effect of different forming methods on wrinkling and cracking, stress and strain distribution as well as circulating and spring back. Also, we studied the effect on the FBDF result caused by the chucking power, blank drawer force, friction coefficient and material parameters. The results showed that under the same conditions, the parts formed by FBDF technology showed uniform stress and strain distribution with little spring back. The blank drawer force can efficiently restrain the defects such as wrinkling and crack. (paper)