Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Spring-Back Characteristics in the Cold-Forming Process of Three-Dimensionally Curved Thick Metal Plates

The present paper is part of the study to develop the advanced computer aided manufacture (CAM) system called the changeable die system (CDS) that applies the cold-forming technique to produce curved thick metal plates with complex, three-dimensional geometry [Paik et al., 2009, "Development of the Changeable Die System for the Cold-Forming of Three-Dimensionally Curved Metal Plates," The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust Research Centre of Excellence, Pusan National University, Korea]. This paper focuses on the procedure of predicting the spring-back characteristics using elastic-plastic large deflection finite element method, which is a key technical element within the framework of the CDS process. The validity of the procedure is confirmed by comparison with experimental results obtained by the CDS machine in the cold-forming process of curved steel plates.