OPTIMUM DESIGN OF FORGING DIES USING FUZZY-LOGIC IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BACKWARD DEFORMATION METHOD

A novel shape optimization method is presented for the design of prefo rm die shapes in multistage forging processes using a combination of t he backward deformation method and a fuzzy decision making algorithm. In the backward deformation method, the final component shape is taken as the starting point, and the die is moved in the reverse direction with boundary nodes being released as the die is raised. The optimum d ie shape is thereby determined by taking the optimum reverse path, A f uzzy decision making approach is developed to specify new boundary con ditions for each backward time increment based on geometrical features and the plastic deformation of the workpiece. In order to demonstrate this approach, a design analysis for an axisymmetric disk forging is presented in this paper. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.