Product Code: PIC2008_1107

The Study on the Laser Compound Forming of Sheet Metal
Authors:
Jianzhong Zhou, Jiangsu University; Zhenjiang Peoples Republic of China
YiBin Chen, Jiangsu University; Zhenjiang Peoples Republic of China
Shu Huang, Jiangsu University ; Zhenjiang Peoples Republic of China
Li Xiao, Jiangsu University ; Zhenjiang Peoples Republic of China
Yueqing Sun, Jiangsu University ; Zhenjiang Peoples Republic of China
Presented at PICALO 2008

Laser compound formingLCF of sheet metal is an advanced forming process without dies and other external forces. It combines the advantages of the laser thermal-stress forming (LTF) and laser peen forming (LPF). The fundamental mechanism of LCF process is described firstly, and then an appropriate three dimensional elastic-plastic thermo-mechanical coupled finite element model of laser compound forming is developed based on ABAQUS code. Some key problems on the numerical simulation of LCF process are investigated in detail. Taking AISI-1008 steel as an example, the deformation field and stress field during LCF process are simulated. The influence of different laser parameters on magnitude of deformation, distribution of the residual stress and surface quality of the formed workpiece after LCF are discussed. Finally the LCF experiments are performed on AISI-1008 steel, two typical shapes, such as sinusoidal shape and double-curved shape, are obtained. The surface contour and stress distribution of the formed workpiece after LCF are measured by 3D-CMM and X-Ray diffraction testing device. The comparison is carried out for the experimental results and that of simulation. Good correlation is demonstrated. The investigation of numerical simulation and experimental study of the LCF process shows that laser compound forming technique can quickly and efficiently form the sheet metal with a complex contour and good surface quality, and leave a beneficial residual compressive stress on surface, which can extend the fatigue life of the workpiece and enhance its resistance to the stress corrosion cracking.