Automated mesh generation for finite element analysis of sheet metal forming

Byline: K. Shimada, N. Mori, T. Kondo, T. Itoh, K. Kase, A. Makinouchi This paper presents a fully automated meshing scheme suitable for sheet forming simulation. We adopt a new meshing procedure, called 'bubble meshing', to create a graded quadrilateral mesh. In this method, a set of nodes is first distributed by closely packing spheres, or 'bubbles', in a domain, adjusting the sphere sizes by the three indicators of strain gradient, curvature and contact condition. A well-shaped triangular mesh is then created by connecting the centres of these bubbles or nodes. Finally, the triangular mesh is preserved. It is shown that the method satisfies fundamental meshing requirements for sheet metal forming simulation, such as precise element size control and mesh adaptivity.