ANIMATION OF FINITE-ELEMENT MODELS OF METAL-FORMING PROCESSES

An interface program which makes it possible to animate finite element models of metal forming processes in an ''Autodesk 3D Studio'' enviro nment is presented. The program converts typical finite element result s files for a succession of deformation stages into an ASCII file suit able for loading into ''3D Studio''. The interface presented processes two-dimensional models only; it requires that the models are discreti zed by linear rectangular elements and dies by linear two-noded elemen ts. Conversion of mesh objects is based on the creation of triangular three-dimensional faces structured on a set of vertices which are defi ned by the node positions in the finite element result file. The progr am is written in FORTRAN and a glossary of terms and the source listin g are included. For axisymmetric cases, guidelines are provided for ge nerating three-dimensional effects. An elaborate example of the operat ional procedure is given.