A Theory of Elastic/Plastic Plane Strain Pure Bending of FGM Sheets at Large Strain

An efficient analytical/numerical method has been developed and programmed to predict the distribution of residual stresses and springback in plane strain pure bending of functionally graded sheets at large strain, followed by unloading. The solution is facilitated by using a Lagrangian coordinate system. The study is concentrated on a power law through thickness distribution of material properties. However, the general method can be used in conjunction with any other through thickness distributions assuming that plastic yielding initiates at one of the surfaces of the sheet. Effects of material properties on the distribution of residual stresses are investigated.