INTERACTIVE SIMULATION SYSTEM FOR DESIGN OF MULTI-STAGE MATERIAL PROCESSES

Austral Engineering and Software, Inc. proposes to develop a computer platform for simulation-and-optimization-based design of multiple-stage manufacturing processes. Phase I will use metal forming processes to demonstrate feasibility of embedding analytical models of basic transport phenomena into design models that include geometric, microstructure, and processing features. Each stage of a metal forming process will be simulated by a computer process and visualized in a computer window. By connecting these virtual metal forming stages, a simulation of the whole manufacturing process will be formed. This will allow the user to obtain information about interdependencies among manufacturing stages. Optimization algorithms that can vary the sequence and parameters of processing stages according to appropriate optimality criteria will allow convenient evaluation of alternative manufacturing sequences and materials to obtain design that are optimized for quality, performance and cost. Source of material databases and process models will be identified and an extensible library of model features will be developed that allows use of new processes and materials. A survey of Phase I in order to obtain inputs regarding customer requirements; the responding organizations will be the basis for technology transfer and commercialization.