Determination of hammering sequence in incremental sheet metal forming using a genetic algorithm

A method for determining hammering sequences in incremental forming of sheets is proposed on the basis of the genetic algorithm. The determination of the sequences for hammering the sheet to a desired distribution of curvature in incremental forming is treated as a combinatorial optimisation problem. The sheet is modelled to have many numbered points worked with a hammer and is deformed under a constant load. In the genetic algorithm, a group of individuals having a combination of the hammering points is set, and the combinations are optimised by using selection, crossover and mutation operations in order to minimise the difference from the desired curvature distribution. The hammering sequences in incremental forming of aluminium square sheets with a hemispherical punch and a flat die are chosen as an example.