Finite Element Method in Manufacturing Processes

Nowadays, the finite element method (FEM) has become the main instrument for simulating manufacturing processes. It is made up of a complex process involving a variety of physical phenomena, such as plastic deformation, frictional contact, thermo-mechanical coupling, burr formation mechanisms, etc. Experimental approaches to study the manufacturing processes are important but they can be replaced by FEM analysis, especially when a wide range of parameters is involved such as process parameters, material of the workpiece and tool types.

This book aims to provide some fundamentals on research advances on FEM applied in manufacturing processes such as machining, bulk deformation, sheet metal forming, surface treatments, micromanufacturing processes, etc.

Useful as a research book for final undergraduate engineering courses (for example, mechanical, manufacturing, etc.) or as a subject on numerical methods at the postgraduate level, this book can also serve as a useful reference for academics, manufacturing researchers, mechanical and manufacturing engineers and professionals in relation to manufacturing and computational mechanics.

J. Paulo Davim is Aggregate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aveiro, Portugal and is Head of MACTRIB (Machining and Tribology Research Group). His main research interests include machining/manufacturing processes and tribology/surface engineering.