A Design Optimization Study for the Die Dimensioning Using the Locking Nut Folding Simulation

Abstract An inverse analysis based on optimization process is performed to determine die curvatures for a locking nut’s flange folding process which has highly nonlinear material behaviour. The nut material is AISI C1040 steel. The ring material is polyamide 6. The Chaboche’s nonlinear kinematic hardening rule is combined with bilinear isotropic hardening model as a hardening rule for the plasticity model combined with associated flow rule and von Mises yield criterion. The inverse analysis is applied to determine the curvatures by using genetic algorithm optimization method based on dimensional accuracy. The optimum mould curvatures are determined. So a comprehensive methodology is presented for determination of curvatures.