Script for Automated One Step Forming Analysis using LS-DYNA and LS-PrePost

Mapping of metal forming data on metal parts for Crash Simulations helps to simulate the widely known effect of stiffer physical properties due to manufacturing processes. LS-Dyna® has enhanced the previously available capability to simulate one step analysis on metal parts and can use the existing finite element geometry taken from a full vehicle model. This method is quicker than running an incremental analysis for hundreds of parts which would take a considerable amount of time. This analysis is done manually one part at a time along with some necessary preprocessing. For this process to be useful in a full vehicle crash analysis, where multiple parts have metal forming data mapped, an automated process with minimal user interaction in model set up is required. A script was written to facilitate this method. This paper discusses the algorithm used to automate the set up process.