The mechanical analysis of sheet metal incremental forming by numerical simulation based on solid element

The sheet metal incremental forming (SIF) is a new forming process without dedicated dies. It is suitable for the shell parts with complex curved faces. Most research on sheet metal incremental forming is mainly based on experiments and to explain the process through macroscopic metal deformation. So, the reality deformation process could not be obtained. In this paper, the incremental forming process is analyzed by three-dimension solid elements numerical simulation. Through the stress and stain distribution at the different stages of the process, the deformation principle of incremental forming is researched. The research shows that the area of deformation can be divided into four parts with different deformation patterns in the forming process; on the action of compression stresses, the higher forming limit could be reached.