Numerical and experimental investigation of laser induced tube bending

Mechanisms of the process are examined to better understand the deformation characteristics such as slightly protruded shape at the intrados, wall thickness variation, cross-section ovalization, bending radius, and asymmetry. A finite element model is developed and validated by experimental observations. Factors important to characteristics of deformation are experimentally and numerically investigated. Temperature and stress/strain distributions obtained from the simulation models are also used to better understand additional phenomena accompanying the process, and to help devise ways to improve the process such as reducing asymmetry. The process effects on hardness and microstructure variations are also reported.