FEM Simulation of Laser Forming of Metal Plates

A finite element model is developed for thermo-mechanical analysis of the process of metal plate forming by laser line heating. A rezoning technique is adopted to greatly reduce the simulation time. The effects of the refinement of mesh size on temperature distribution and final distortion are studied. Comparison between numerical and experimental results shows a good agreement in final distortion of the formed plate. Finally, edge effects in the laser forming process are studied.