Modelling and simulation of manufacturing process chains

Modelling and simulation of manufacturing process chains are important for decreasing the defects induced by the manufacturing processes and increasing the life of the components during production. A life-based methodology is proposed for aero-engine gas turbine components where the main aim is to reduce the level of tensile stresses in order to improve the life. A new Finite Element (FE) software FEDES (FE Data Exchange System) is presented and used to simulate three manufacturing process chains where the final residual stress state and distortions are predicted to estimate the life of the components. Also, the paper reviews the current developments in manufacturing process chains and highlights the future challenges in the field.