| Abstract: | An optimization algorithm for preform die shape design in metal-forming processes is developed in this paper. The preform die shapes are represented by cubic B-spline curves. The control points of the B-spline are used as the design variables. The optimization objective is to reduce the difference between the realized and desired final forging shapes. The sensitivities of the objective function with respect to the design variables are developed in detail. The numerical examples show that the optimization method and the sensitivity analysis developed in this paper are very useful and the design results are satisfactory. Importantly, the preform die shapes designed by this method are easily manufacturable and can be implemented in practical metal-forming operations. This optimization method and the sensitivity analysis can also be applied in the preform design of complex industrial metal-forming problems. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
