Application of a SPH Coupled FEM Method for Simulation of Trimming of Aluminum Autobody Sheet

In this paper, the applications of mesh-free SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) continuum method to the simulation and analysis of trimming process is presented. In dealing with shearing simulations for example of blanking, piercing or slitting, existing literatures apply finite element method (FEM) to analysis of this processes. Presented in this work approach and its application to trimming of aluminum autobody sheet allows for a complex analysis of physical phenomena occurring during the process without significant deterioration in the quality of the finite element mesh during large deformation. This allows for accurate representation of the loss of cohesion of the material under the influence of cutting tools. An analysis of state of stress, strain and fracture mechanisms of the material is presented. In experimental studies, an advanced vision-based technology based on digital image correlation (DIC) for monitoring the cutting process is used.