Die shape optimal design in cold and hot extrusion

Abstract

A process optimal design methodology applicable to cold and hot forming is presented, on the basis of an integrated thermo-mechanical finite element process model and a derivative-based optimization scheme. The process model, the formulation for process optimal design, and the schemes for the evaluation of the design sensitivity considering the effect of strain-hardening and heat transfer are described in detail. The capability of the proposed approach is demonstrated through applications to die shape optimal design in cold and hot extrusion. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.