In this paper, a Mannesmann roll piercing process equipped with Diecher's guiding discs is investigated using a rigidthermoviscoplastic finite elements method with intelligent remeshing capability and tetrahedral elements. The analysis model is presented and the approach is applied to a Mannesmann roll piercing process found in the literature. Details about the remeshing criterion as well as mesh density control are given. The present predictions are compared with the predictions found in the literature, showing that the two predictions are in close agreement in terms of the deformed shape. However, it is emphasized that the present approach has the distinct strength in predicting details of final shape.

An artificial body force method is presented to accurately simulate drawing processes in which back pressing is exerted. A rigid-plastic finite element method is applied together with a numerical scheme to eliminate the numerically incurred plastic deformation in rigid or elastic region, which significantly influences simulation results because it eventually changes reduction of area in drawing. Back tension or compression is applied by body force at the rear part of material to obtain numerically stable solution. Two typical examples are shown, a drawing process with back tension applied and a tube drawing with a fixed plug and back pressing applied.