Simulation of manufacturing sequences for verification of product properties

Abstract: The manufacturing sequence may to a large extent influence properties like residual stresses and hardness and, as a consequence, the fatigue life and shape accuracy of a component. By simulating the manufacturing sequence and extract important accumulated data, the possibilities of early analysis of a design concept of a component and optimisation of the complete manufacturing sequence may increase. An established methodology has the potential to reduce physical testing, increase the process knowledge and reduce product development time and costs. This thesis suggests principles for simulating manufacturing sequences for forged and sheet metal-formed components.It is possible to establish virtual manufacturing sequences and connect different commercial simulation softwares into a chain with support from methods for data communication and in process modelling. However, the data communication has pitfalls and also material data, process data and material models for single processes may be insufficient in order to conduct a quantitative analysis of the accumulated properties. Thus, a thorough validation of the sequential simulation results should be performed. Further, engineering simplifications of the sequence are recommended and e.g. a combination of numerical and empirical methods may be preferable in order to predict accumulated results with high accuracy. Future development concerning standards for data communication as well as meshing, mapping and modelling technique is recommended in order to improve the quality of the accumulated results. Finally, methods for integration of sequential simulation in the overall component design process, including conventional Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), should be developed. The main advantage of sequential simulation may be conceptual studies of process and material parameter variations and their influence on the final product properties.Paper I describes how to select the most critical process parameters in a manufacturing sequence. Paper II describes how to establish a sequence using a combination of numerical and empirical methods and paper III describes state of the art concerning shot peening simulation.