This paper explores two optimization strategies;the gradient search and proportional control methods, fordetermining the initial sheet thickness of superplastic forming toensure final desired part thickness. A hemispherical dome modelwas involved in the lesting of both optimization methods. Also, athree-dimensional rectangular box model was optimazed by theproportional control method. The gradient search technique isshown to be acceptable in terms of the optimized thicknessobtained, but displays poor convergence rates. The proportionalcontrol approach presented is easy to be implemented, and yieldnot only more accurate sheet thickness, but much higherconvergence speeds that makes such optimization possible oncomplex geometric models.
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