FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATIONS OF LASER BENDING OF SMALL SIZED SHEETS

Abstract Recently, laser bending has received attention for a wide variety of applications in industries due to its excellent bend quality with high productivity and flexibility. In this work, finite element simulations of bending of small sized sheets are carried out using ABAQUS package. The temperature and strain-rate dependent material properties of D36 shipbuilding steel sheet are considered. Simulation results throw light on the bending behavior of small sized sheet components

Laser-assisted bending by magnetic force

In this study, a laser-assisted bending process is proposed, in which the external force is applied by magnets. The process can be used for bending the magnetic and non-magnetic materials. The experiments indicated that a large bend angle with reduced edge effect can be obtained by this process. The process was simulated by finite element method and a reasonable agreement was obtained between the experimental and simulated bend angles. It was experimentally observed that the micro-hardness after bending was greater than the original micro-hardness for mild steel as well as stainless steel work plates. In all the cases, micro-hardness reduced from laser-irradiated surface to opposite surface. Performance of the process as well as its ability to get accurately simulated bring out its potential of adaptability in industries