Simplified mathematical formulas for the prediction of deformations in the plate bending process using an oxy-propane gas flame

Abstract

Simplified mathematical formulas are proposed to predict deformations during the plate forming process via line heating with an oxy-propane flame. The formulas are derived from a statistical approach to the results of thermo-mechanical analyses using the finite element method (FEM) for combinations of practical heating parameters. As a first step, the heat flux of the flame is modelled as a single Gaussian distribution. A series of thermo-mechanical analyses are then performed with the heat flux model using an FEM-based commercial software. The results of the analyses are finally synthesized with their heating parameters for a statistical approach, which results in the simplified formulas. The results of the analyses and the predictions of the formulas are compared with those of the experimental measurements. ? IMechE 2009.