A Springback Prediction Model for Warm Forming of Aluminum Alloy Sheets Using Tangential Stresses on a Cross-Section of Sheet

Warm U-draw bending tests were performed on a 5182 aluminum alloy under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions, and the amounts of springback under the corresponding conditions were measured. Finite element method analyses were then conducted to calculate the tangential stress distribution on the cross-section of the sheet during the warm forming process. It was found that the experimentally measured springback values were proportionally related to the differences in the amounts of tangential stresses at the top and bottom layers of the sheet section. A functional model that can account for the correlation between the amount of springback and the difference in tangential stresses at the top and bottom layers of the sheet section was derived based on an Euler beam and a nonlinear flow stress model with temperature and strain rate dependencies. The developed model, which can predict springback behavior using only results of forming analyses of warm formed aluminum alloy sheets, is anticipated to provide for advancements in the understanding of springback behavior at warm temperatures and improve the efficiency of design and analysis processes used to fabricate parts with complicated shapes by saving considerable time and costs for the analysis of springback.