Automatic optimization of joining by forming by numerical simulation

Joining by forming techniques are used to join sheet metal components through plastic deformation of the components or connectors to be joined. Numerically simulating these processes with FEM is instrumental in analyzing the processes and calculating joining properties since it allows a systematic analysis of the impact of process parameters while simul-taneously optimizing them. A variety of intricate numerical models is needed, depending upon process complexity and the goals of the numerical simulations. Sensitivity analyses or parameter optimization necessitates precise models. A greater degree of model abstraction is needed to comprehend the processes and the meaning of simulation results. One path is to combine numerical simulation with automatic parameter optimization to effectively calculate process win-dows. In the final analysis, the amount of effort required in building models and applying computer resources should justify the benefits of simulation.????