STMT an der RWTH Aachen

We use simulations to reduce costs in case of 

• material use, tool cost and pre-rpoduction trials

to save time 

• lead time, required time for training

and improve quality

• reliability, complex parts, new materials

Abstract system that corresponds to a real system and is used for expensive and/or impossible investigations, calculations and explanations or demonstration purposes.

A simulation is a replication of a dynamic process based on a model.

A model is an simple abstraction/description of a real and complex system.

It delivers general information about
- elements,
- structure and
- behavior
of a model during usage, to estimate correlations onto the reality.

• Molecular dynamics (MD)
• Kinematics
• Finite Element Analysis
• Fundamental
• Regression
• Artifical neural nets
• rule based

rule based (macroscopic) -> MD (microscopic)

Molecular Dynamics, Kinematics, Finite Element Analysis, Fundamental, Regressions (Artificial Neural Nets somehow included)

regression and artifical neural nets, they are based on experimental results and therefore only valid within these ranges

rule based

Heuristic and empirical models are limited and difficult to transfer from one process to another. They are based on experimental results and are only valid within the same experimental range.

Forming (bulk, sheet):

• Manufacturing by plastic deformation
• Constant workpiece volume
• Constant workpiece mass
• workpiece stays one piece

Sheet metal cutting:

• Manufacturing by cutting
• Material cohesion is released locally
• No generation of formless substance
  (no chips)

bulk forming - high forces needed

Sheet metal forming - Low to medium forces

Bulk Forming - high plastic deformation

Sheet metal forming - Lower plastic deformation