Finite Element Method for the Analysis of a Material Property Identification Algorithm for Pressbrake Bending

Finite element analysis is used to evaluate an algorithm to identify the material characteristics of a sheet being bent in a pressbrake from force and displacement measurements. In this way, calculations are used as a numerical experiment so that the accuracy of the simplified model assumed for the identification algorithm can be assessed. The results also suggest ways to improve the algorithm. The identification algorithm is used as part of a real time control system for bending. The finite element analysis shows that the stress estimates are accurate, but that the strain estimates need improvement either by the use of an empirical calibration factor or by the development of a more exact theory.