Numerical simulation for fine-blanking - a new approach

This paper presents the numerical simulation of fine-blanking using the large deformation elasto-plastic finite element method (FEM). In this simulation, the finite element mesh is re-zoned when severe element distortion occurs, in order to facilitate further computation and avoid divergence. The finite element software, ABAQUS/Standard PC version 5.8, is used. The updated Lagrangian formulation is adopted and the standard stiffness matrix and the initial stiffness matrix are presented. A precise description of the fine-blanking boundary conditions is essential to achieve a correct simulation result. Therefore, the fine-blanking process is considered as a contact problem and the corner radii of punch and die are taken into account. This study is one of the first attempts to simulate the complete fine-blanking process. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.