Finite element analysis of forming and spring-back of sheet free bending

Abstract

This paper presents a study of spring-back in the free bending metal forming process, and the analytical model of free bending process is constructed. Different punch radius, die-lip width and sheet thickness are varied to study their effect on spring-back. Abaqus/Explicit is used to simulate the forming process, and Abaqus/Standard is used to simulate the spring-back process. The analysis shows that the simulation result of spring-back prediction fit well with the theoretical result. The sheet thickness is the main influence on spring-back while the die-lip width is minor. Spring-back of the sheet decreases significantly with increment of the sheet thickness, and the spring-back increases with increment of the die-lip width.