Influence of laser beam process parameters on the bending ability of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheets

Abstract

Laser bending is a flexible technique that requires no external tools for the bending and shaping of metallic components. It utilizes a laser heat source to achieve the desired shapes due to thermally induced stresses inside the metallic sheets. Examining the impact of process variables on the bending angle deformation is very important to achieve the required shapes. This work presents, the numerical and experimental analysis of the bending behaviors of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheets under the constant line energy concept. The numerical simulations for the laser bending method have been developed through Abaqus to examine the transient temperature fields, thermal stress, and strain characteristics. Furthermore, the experimental analysis has been compared with the numerical simulation analysis to observe the consequences of variation in process parameters such as laser powers and scanning speeds on the bending capability. In addition, the influence of process parameters on the surface morphology of the laser-scanned Ti-6Al-4V alloy specimens has been observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The findings show that the bending angle extent is directly related to the simultaneous increment in laser power and scanning velocity. An increase in line energy value shows a significant enhancement in bending angle. The laser-induced heat flux, beam interaction time, and temperature gradient at high laser powers and high scanning speeds are significant factors that are responsible for the extent of bending of sheets. Moreover, melting and thermal oxidation have been observed during the (SEM) analysis at high laser power. The numerical simulation and experimental outcomes are helpful for the selection of optimum process conditions in the laser bending method of Ti-6Al-4V alloy sheets.