Closed-Loop Control of Sheet Forming Processes

该奖项旨在研究和开发可编程模具辅助下的金属板柔性成形，并结合成形过程的闭环控制。从概念上讲，这意味着仅由计算机辅助设计（CAD）系统定义的几何数据驱动的钣金成形过程，该系统也可以适应零件形状变化以及材料和成形条件的不确定性。这项工作将集中在两个主要问题上。它们是：(1)对离散刀具成形力学的基本探索和伴随的机器设计，以确定并实现最大的成形保真度、工艺精度和速度；(2)通过数值模拟和实验对一般三维复杂钣金件的变形传递函数概念进行了细化。这项研究的最终结果是消除了长设置和工具开发时间目前与钣金成形过程相关。这不仅将减少与此过程相关的时间和成本，而且还允许小批量生产复杂钣金件的经济加工。金属板成形工艺是许多耐用品制造的主要组成部分，本研究的结果将提高该工业部门的效率。

This award is to research and develop flexible forming of sheet metal with the aid of a programmable die, in conjunction with closed loop control of the forming process. In concept this implies a sheet metal forming process driven only by the geometric data, as defined by a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system, that can also adapt to part shape changes and material and forming condition uncertainties. This work will focus on two major issues. They are (1) fundamental exploration of discrete tool forming mechanics and a concomitant machine design to identify and achieve maximum forming fidelity, process accuracy and speed, and (2) refinement of the deformation transfer function concept for general three-dimensional complex sheet metal parts using numerical simulation and experiments. The final outcome of this research is the elimination of long set-up and tooling developing times currently associated with the sheet metal forming process. This will not only reduce time and costs associated with this process but also allow the economical processing of small lot production of complex sheet metal parts. The sheet metal forming process is a major component in the manufacturing of many durable goods and the results of this research will enhance the efficiency of that sector of industry.