Modeling and simulation of metal forming equipment

The demand for components made from hard-to-form materials is growing, as is the need to better understand and improve the control of metal forming equipment. Techniques are presented for developing accurate models and computer simulations of metal forming equipment for the purpose of improving metal forming process design. Emphasis is placed on modeling the dynamic behavior of hydraulic vertical forge presses, although similar principles apply to other types of metal forming equipment. These principles are applied to modeling and simulation of a 1000 ton forge press in service at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, along with experimental verification.