Optimal stamping direction for an automotive part.

Stamping direction (SD) of an automotive part is investigated by using multi-objective optimization concerning forming process of sheet metal and validated by utilizing finite element (FE) method. To improve uniformity of feeding resistance and contact conditions (e.g., number and location of contact point) between tools and an automotive part, five mathematical models for optimization have been studied, and evaluation function of multi-objective optimization has been formulated by the sum-weighted method. The mathematical models presented are solved effectively by using the adaptive genetic algorithm (GA), and tipping angles of the automotive part are different from those determined by AutoForm system. Solutions of SD are global optima. The computational programs are highly efficient and stable. The optimal SD obtained has been validated by FE method. Comparing the adaptive GA with the other three methods determined in AutoForm, we find that the stamped part using the adaptive GA has a good forming quality and with the biggest deforming ample degree value (11.3 %). For the feasible regions of blank-holder force and friction coefficient, the results indicate that the adaptive GA characterizes a biggest limit in the four tipping angles, which has been supported experimentally. Methods of SD presented are helpful for quickly getting a compromise among process parameters of an automotive part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]