Optimization of press bend forming path of aircraft integral panel

In order to design the press bend forming path of aircraft integral panels, a novel optimization method was proposed, which integrates FEM equivalent model based on previous study, the artificial neural network response surface, and the genetic algorithm. First, a multi-step press bend forming FEM equivalent model was established, with which the FEM experiments designed with Taguchi method were performed. Then, the BP neural network response surface was developed with the sample data from the FEM experiments. Furthermore, genetic algorithm was applied with the neural network response surface as the objective function. Finally, verification was carried out on a simple curvature grid-type stiffened panel. The forming error of the panel formed with the optimal path is only 0.098 39 and the calculating efficiency has been improved by 77%. Therefore, this novel optimization method is quite efficient and indispensable for the press bend forming path designing.