A Full 3D Simulation of Plastic Forming Using a Heuristic Generalised Contact Algorithm

A full 3D contact approach is proposed for simulating forming processes of plastic bodies. It uses a new local searching procedure which is based on the product of the geometrical positions of the "Slave" node before and after having crossed a plan "master". Coupling with the finite element method is achieved by using a classical 8-node hexahedral element. The use of a Mooney-Rivlin constitutive model allows getting a final simulation tool in order to optimise the mechanical behaviour of plastic bodies during their forming processes. Applications are essentially focused on 3D problems involving contact between solids, with a particular attention to the thermoforming process.