Fastener products lightweight design and forming process simulation

Abstract

In this research, an integrated design system was established to design the product of nuts with flange and generate the lightweight geometry of product. The multi-stage forming process was evaluated using the CAE simulations. The topology optimization method was used to achieve the lightweight design, that included keeping necessary geometrical features and remove the excess volumes. The topological discrete model had been remodelled into a meaningful geometry which is able to satisfy the requirement of proof load of fastener specification. The final design of the lightweight geometry was adopted to test the capability of carrying proof load required using CAE simulations with the boundary conditions of the related ASTM standard. In the evaluation stage, the finite element method was used to do the topology optimization, the proof load evaluation, the forging process and the die stress analysis. The simulation results showed the lightweight design was able to reduce the weight of product and maintain enough mechanical strength. The proposed process and die designs were able to obtain the lightweight product without defects.