Abstract: A general methodology is systematically presented to analyze and select optimally the magnitude, placement and clamping sequence of a fixturing scheme. Based on history dependency of contact forces depending on frictional forces between the workpiece and fixture, effect of multiple clamps and their application sequences on thin-walled workpiece deformations is quantitatively analyzed. Analysis model of clamping sequence is mathematically established and its solution, which can be realized in FEM software, is presented according to minimization of the total complementary energy. On the other hand, based on the optimization model of clamping sequence, control technique is presented so that the minimum deformation of thin-walled part can be obtained.Took example for the typical fixturing case with aluminum alloy, a detailed discussion is made about how the analysis and optimal design of multiple clamping forces and their applica-tion sequences are carried out.

Key words: Clamping sequence, Finite element simulation, Fixturing deformation mechanism, Multiple clamping forces, Thin-walled workpiece