The human factor in FEM based optimization

This study explores the impact of human involvement in finite element method (FEM) based optimization within a structured cooperative learning framework. Using the Numisheet 2025 benchmark as a case study, teams made of graduate engineering students optimized a sheet metal forming process, to enhance material utilization while meeting constraints such as thinning and springback. Despite identical numerical setups and metamodeling tools, substantial variability emerged in solutions, highlighting the influence of human decision-making. The research demonstrates that collaborative approaches integrating human intuition and computational techniques can lead to improved optimization outcomes and offers a foundation for advancing human-centered methodologies in manufacturing optimization.