Numerical Simulation of Stretch Bending for L-section Aluminum Alloy Profile

High precision stretch bending of aluminum alloy profile is the key technology for making car’s frame body. A numerical simulation study on the displacement-controlled process for a typical kind of L-section aluminum alloy profile used in high-speed rail with finite element analysis software is presented. The effect of different friction coefficients, with or without baffle and cover plate on the equivalent stress,strain and cross-sectional distortion are investigated. It is shown that the increase of the friction coefficient can increase the cross-sectional distortion, equivalent stress and strain. The installation of baffle and cover plate can significantly reduce the cross-sectional distortion in the middle section of the profile, and increase the equivalent stress and strain to some extent.