Finite element approach in the plate bending process

In order to determine the inevitable mechanical springback of bent plates, designed for assembling spherical tanks made of steel StE 500, according to DIN 17102/83, an elastic–plastic incremental finite element calculation has been carried out to analyse axisymmetric strain in a sheet metal bending process. Sufficiently accurate stress distributions and deformed geometry of plates as parts of spherical tanks have been carried out through the whole bending process. The load–deflection curve has been carried out based on reaction forces and compared with experimentally obtained results. Friction effects and material characteristics such as work hardening are also covered. The accuracy of the simulation results, mechanical springback and the residual stress distribution after unloading are discussed through the comparison to the experimental results.