Finite Element Simulation of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 Tube Bending

Abstract

A finite element method based model has been developed for magnesium alloy AZ31 tube bending process simulation, using the tensile (for bend outer radius) and compressive (for bend inner radius) properties of the AZ31 alloy at the bending temperature of 150°C. The results shown that very high compressive stresses are developed in the bend inner radius, limiting the minimum bend radius for the AZ31 tube. The simulation results suggest the minimum centerline bend radius to the tube outer diameter ratio is 1.5 to 2. The maximum diameter to thickness ratio is 30.