Simulation of Forming Processes by the α -Shapes-Based Natural Element Method

In this paper we review some of the authors’ more recent developments in the field of Forming Processes simulation by means of meshless methods. In particular, all simulations are performed by employing the Natural Element Method (NEM), which has shown some particular characteristics that make it appear as an appealing tool for this kind of problems. Applications include forging, aluminum extrusion and other related forming processes. Particularly, the treatment of the free surface deserves some comments, since it is done in this work by means of alpha-shapes, a particular shape constructor.

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