An analytical model for the prediction of distortions caused by the laser forming process

Simulations of laser forming processes of metallic sheers have so far been performed by means of non-linear elastoplastic finite element analysis whic h is time consuming and difficult. In this paper an analytical model for th e prediction of distortions caused by laser forming of metallic sheets is p roposed; it is applied for the case of bending. For developing the analytic al model the predominant mechanisms which control the laser forming process have been accounted for; they include the non-uniform temperature distribu tion throughout the thickness of the plate, the development of plastic defo rmations on a certain area of the material and the subsequent distortions a t the end of the process due to the developed plastic strains. The temperat ure dependency of the material properties has been considered as well. The developed model is parametric and considers the dimensions of the plate and the laser irradiation parameters. The comparison of the calculations using the proposed analytical model with experimental results as well as with re sults obtained by finite element simulation has shown a very good correlati on. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.