Development of a FEM-lab for the virtual experimentation in forming processes

In nowadays engineering, the ability to use and understand Finite-Element-Method (FEM) simulation software has become a crucial skill. If applied correctly, it can provide insight into various processes, such as forming operations, without the need to actually perform the real experiment. A novel, fully virtual FEM-Lab is currently under development at the Institute of Forming Technology and Lightweight Components of TU Dortmund University, giving access to undergraduate students so they can learn about forming processes in detail by actively changing the process parameters. Fundamental knowledge about Finite-Element-Analysis (FEA) is provided during numerical experimentation such that previous knowledge is not necessary to use this kind of virtual laboratory.