Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Sheet Laser Forming Processes Using General Scanning Paths.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Manufacturing Processes
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Sheet laser forming is a valuable technique for shaping metal components.
• Predicting the thermomechanical response of materials during laser forming with complex paths is challenging.
• Existing models may not fully capture the behavior of stainless steel under varied laser parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically simulate and experimentally validate sheet laser forming processes.
• To investigate the influence of laser beam parameters and scanning paths on stainless steel.
• To establish a reliable modeling framework for predicting laser forming outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Coupled thermomechanical finite element analysis was employed.
• Simulations accounted for large viscoplastic strains and temperature-dependent properties.
• Experimental tests were conducted using S-shaped, circular, and linear scanning paths on stainless steel blanks.

Main Results:

• Numerical simulations showed good agreement with experimental bending angles.
• The model accurately predicted the thermomechanical response for various scanning paths.
• The study confirmed the effectiveness of the finite element formulation.

Conclusions:

• The developed modeling framework is a reliable approach for sheet laser forming.
• It can accurately predict material behavior with general scanning paths and varied laser parameters.
• This research advances the understanding and application of laser forming technology.