Preform Die Shape Optimization Design and FEM Based
Sensitivity Analysis
Zhao Guoqun   Zhao Zhenduo   Jia Yuxi   Wang Guangchun
(Shandong University of Technology, Jinan, 250061)

Abstract: This paper uses a finite element based sensitivity analysis method to design the preform dieshape for metal forging processes. The sensitivity analysis was developed using the rigid viscoplastic finite element method. The preform die shapes are represented by cubic B-spline curves. The control coefficients of the B-spline are used as the design variables. The optimization problem is to minimize the difference between the realized and the desired final forging shapes. The method is used to design the preform die shape for an H-shaped cross section axisymmetric forging. The analysis shows that a satisfactory final forging shape is obtained using the optimized preform die shape.
Keywords: finite element method, sensitivity analysis, preform die shape, optimization design.