Title: Bend angle prediction and parameter optimisation for laser bending of stainless steel using FEM and RSM

Authors: K. Venkadeshwaran; Sandip Das; Dipten Misra

Addresses: School of Laser Science and Engineering, USIC Building, Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, India. ' School of Laser Science and Engineering, USIC Building, Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, India

Abstract: Finite element simulation (FEM) and response surface methodology (RSM) are used to predict the bend angle and optimise the process parameters for laser bending of stainless steel. A three-dimensional sequentially coupled thermo-mechanical elasto-plastic finite element model, capable of simulating laser bending process, is developed and subsequently response surface methodology (RSM) is used to develop an empirical relation to predict the bend angle based on process parameters. The effects of laser power (125 to 375 W), scan velocity (10 to 30 mm/s), spot diameter (1.5 to 3 mm) and thickness (0.75 to 2.25 mm) on the bend angle are investigated. A quadratic polynomial equation for predicting the bend angle is developed. Optimum values of parameters are identified that would increase the productivity and reduce the total operating cost and the heat affected zone.

Keywords: finite element method; simulation; FEM; response surface methodology; RSM; laser forming; bend angle prediction; parameter optimisation; laser bending; stainless steel; laser power; scan velocity; spot diameter; thickness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2012.048237

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2012 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.308 - 321

Received: 01 Apr 2011
Accepted: 09 Dec 2011
Published online: 21 Aug 2014 *

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