Teaching Strategy in Numerical Modelling of Metal Forming Processes

Teaching metal forming processes in Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate program is very important because these technologies are widely used to manufacture a great number of parts to industries like automotive, machine tools, aeronautical and many others. High tooling costs and low numbers of parts produced are typical characteristics of forming processes of metal parts. The development of accurate numerical models capable of predicting parameters process combining time and cost reduction, could help to achieve design objectives, thus avoiding the practice of the empirical “trial and error” method that has been traditionally applied to metal forming design. The main objective of this paper is to show a perspective of the new Mechanical Engineering Graduate Undergraduate curricula in the current context of Engineering Education in Spain, focusing on the solid mechanics and manufacturing fundamentals needed to success in teaching simulation of metal forming processes. A new course dealing with modelling of metal forming processes is proposed, discussing curricula context, contents and methodology.