Element-free Galerkin method for contact problems in metal forming analysis

The total Lagrangian formulation and implementation of the element-free Gal erkin method (EFG) is presented for the analysis of contact-impact problems with large deformations and for the simulation of metal forming processes. An integration scheme based on stress points si used, so no mesh is needed . A simple but general contact searching algorithm is used to treat the con tact interface and an algorithm for the contact force is presented. Numeric al results for Taylor bar impact are compared to finite element solutions a nd agree well. Solutions to upsetting, extrusion of metals with large mater ial distortions are given to show the effectiveness of the algorithm. In pa rticular, EFG is shown to be more capable of treating motions of the workpi ece around corners of the punch than finite element methods.