Automatic remeshing in 3-D analysis of forming processes

Finite element modelling, employing updated Lagrangian techniques, is used extensively in the design and analysis of bulk forming processes. However, the full 3-D capability has not seen widespread use in the automotive, aerospace, and, related industries due to, among other reasons, the need for remeshing, or, representation of the workpiece with a new "nite element mesh as the analysis progresses. Automating the remeshing procedure of the deformed workpiece geometry would reduce the time required for a 3-D analysis by several orders of magnitude. This paper discusses an algorithm for generating a new mesh to represent the deformed workpiece geometry during the analysis. The procedure is used to perform a 3-D analysis of a valve forging problem.