An analytical model for estimating deformation in laser forming

Laser forming of metal sheets offers the advantages of requiring no external forces and thus reduces cost and increases flexibility. This paper presents an analytical model to estimate the angle bent during the laser forming of a sheet. Plastic deformation is considered during both heating and cooling and is calculated based on a history-dependent incremental stress-strain relationship. On the basis of the proposed model with known temperature distributions, the bending angle induced by laser can be calculated. Comparison of the present model with experiment data is provided to demonstrate the accuracy of the present model under both TGM and BM. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.