This thesis presents the development and implementation of a generalized optimization framework for use in sheet-stamping process simulation by finite element analysis. The generic framework consists of three main elements: a process simulation program, an optimization code, and a response filtering program. These elements can be filled by any combination of applicable software packages. Example sheet-stamping process simulations are presented to demonstrate the usage of the framework in various forming scenarios. Each of the example simulations is presented with a sensitivity analysis. These examples include analysis of a 2-dimensional single-stage forming, a 2-dimensional multi-stage forming, and two different 3-dimensional single-stage forming processes. A forming limit diagram is used to define failure in the 3-dimensional process simulations. Optimization results are presented using damage minimization, thinning minimization, and springback minimization with aluminum alloy 6061-T6 blanks.
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