Prediction of optimum clearance in blanking processes using neural network simulation

The present work describes a methodology using the finite element method and neural network simulation in order to predict the optimum punch–die clearance during sheet metal blanking processes. A damage model is used in order to describe crack initiation and propagation into the sheet. The proposed approach combines predictive finite element and neural network modelling of the leading blanking parameters. The numerical results obtained by finite element computation including damage and fracture modelling were utilised to train the developed simulation environment based on back propagation neural network modelling. The comparative study between the numerical results and the experimental ones shows the good agreement.