Numerical Model for Simulation of the Laser Thermal Forming Process

A numerical model to simulate the laser thermoforming process (LTF) is proposed. It is developed on the basis of the thermodynamically consistent theory of coupled thermo-viscoplasticity and is suitable for modeling the LTF for thin-walled metal structural elements. In the frame of this model, the problem statement consists of the Cauchy relation, equations of motion, and the energy balance equation, which is reduced to the heat conduction equation, along with mechanical and thermal boundary conditions, as well as initial conditions. To describe the behavior of the material, a generalized model of physically nonlinear temperature-dependent thermo-viscoplasticity is used. Spatial discretization of the axisymmetric problem of laser pulse loading of the disk is performed by the FEM. The unsteady LTF process of the deformed disk configuration is simulated. The final profile of the disk is obtained as a result of a thermally induced residual stress–strain state caused by the rapid heating and subsequent gradual cooling of the material under the laser-irradiated area.