MSTEP

The MSTEP is a new Modified-One-Step solver developed by ETA.  It provides an option for iterative solution procedure to achieve more accurate result with trade off of longer computing time.  It is mainly used to quickly assess formability and estimate the blank outline in the early stage of automobile body design cycle.

Figure 7.2.1 shows the main interface of MSTEP. The method of defining the tools is similar to method in Quick-Setup menu to define tools. The Sheet part is required input that is the final designed part geometry.  These tools marked with blue color are optional input tools.

Figure 7.2.1 The Analysis GUI for MSTEP

 

AUTO ASSIGN: The program automatically defines the tools and the sheet.

 

CONSTRAIN: Defines the constraints for the blank. Please refer to Preprocess / Boundary Condition / CONSTRAINTS for Constraint set.

 

ADVANCED: Allows the user to edit some default parameters that relate to MESEP settings. Figure 7.2.2 shows the interface of MSTEP Setting.

Figure 7.2.2 MSTEP Setting

 

In the Mstep Setting dialog box, user can select the Analysis Method. There are two different analysis methods in Mstep ¨C Accurate and Fast. In accurate, not only the plasticity and elastic deformation of blank are considered, but also all the practical technique conditions are used. In fast, only the elastic deformation is considered. So the result of accurate method is much better than Fast method. Of course, the solving time of accurate method is larger than the fast method.

FORCE

Binder Hold: Define the Binder Hold Force. The default Binder Hold force is 20000 Newton. User can switch the unit of force from Newton to Ton.

Pad Hold: Define the Pad Hold Force. The default Binder Hold force is 20000 Newton.

CONTROL PARAMETER

Max. Iteration Steps: Define the Max. iteration steps during the iteration calculation. If the program can not reach convergence in the max. iteration steps, A error message will print in the *.out file to notify user. The default max. iteration steps is 200.

Disp. Convergence: Define the displacement convergence for the iteration calculation. The default displacement convergence is 0.001.

Friction: Define the friction between the blank and tools. The default Friction factor is 0.125. User can change it according to the practical technique conditions.

 

HELP: Provides useful tips for stamping simulation.

 

SUBMIT JOB: Allows the user to submit the current job to the MSTEP solver.

 

EXIT: Allows the user to exit the MSTEP interface with submitting the simulation.