Numerical simulation of sheet metal forming: a review

Numerical simulation is becoming one of the main methods to investigate various engineering problems with sophisticated conditions. A considerable amount of research is conducted on numerical analysis of sheet metal forming process to address different aspects of the problem. Among the numerical simulation methods for sheet metal forming process, finite difference method (FDM) and finite element method (FEM) have been the main methods. In this paper, the progresses in simulation techniques, advantage and disadvantage of numerical methods for simulating sheet metal forming process are discussed based on these numerical methods. Currently, FEM being the main simulation method for sheet metal forming, development in solution strategies and formulation, element selection are further brought into attention. Historical development of anisotropy and yield criteria, which are theoretical foundation for numerical simulation, and their application in simulation software are briefly classified. Formability of sheet metal is presented from the numerical simulation point of view. Numerical investigations on springback are reviewed in terms of simulation techniques and factors influencing springback. Simulation techniques for novel sheet metal forming techniques such as laser forming and incremental sheet forming (ISF) are presented.