Optimization of Spring-back in Bending Process of Aluminum A1050-H14 Sheet Using Hybrid of Finite Element Method and Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm

In sheet metal forming processes, one of the most important limitations relates to the elastic recovery after punch unloading, which usually leads to spring-back phenomenon. Production of precise parts without spring-back controlling is not possible. Hence, the main aim of the present research is to minimize the amount of spring-back as well as to prevent the crack initiation during bending process of Aluminum A1050-H14 sheet. For this purpose, firstly, the sheet metal bending process was numerically simulated in ABAQUS finite element package. Then, the effect of friction coefficient and punch velocity was investigated on elastic recovery and von Mises stress in order to minimize the spring-back as well as to prevent the crack initiation. In this regard, python programming language was utilized. Then, by linking multi-objective genetic algorithm and finite element method in modeFRONTIER software, the optimum values of the process parameters were determined. It should be mentioned that for validation purposes, the simulation results of the present study were compared with the experimental data available in literature, showing a 3.14% relative error between the numerical and experimental results.