Springback prediction of the vee bending process for high-strength steel sheets

The precise prediction of springback is a key to assessing the accuracy of part geometry in sheet bending. A simplified approach is developed by considering the thickness ratio, normal anisotropy, and the strain-hardening exponent to estimate the springback of vee bending based on elementary bending theory. Accordingly, a series of experiments is performed to verify the numerical simulation. The calculation of the springback angle agrees well with the experiment, which reflects the reliability of the proposed model. The effects of process parameters such as punch radius, material strength, and sheet thickness on the springback angle are experimentally tested to determine the dominant parameters for reducing the springback angle in the sheet bending process for high-strength steel sheets. Moreover, the effects of the thickness ratio, normal anisotropy, and the strain-hardening exponent on the springback angle in the vee bending process for high-strength steel sheets are theoretically studied. Therefore, improving understanding on and control of the springback reduction of the vee bending process in practical applications is possible.