An Interferometer Based Experimental Technique to Evaluate Large Strains and Springback on Sheet Metal
A technique was successfully developed to measure large tensile, compressive strains, springback and strain reversal effects on sheet metal bent to small radii. Vertical Scanning Interferometry (VSI) was used to measure three dimensional data from surfaces with sides varying from 160 nm to 2 mm. Software algorithms were utilized to determine surface topography maps from three-dimensional curved locations and to represent them in a two dimensional plane. Fine reference marks were engraved on both sides of sample. The sample was bent /unbent to small radii under a pure bending moment. Outer strains were calculated from VSI two-dimensional measurements of the original and final lengths between the reference marks. Strain gages, applied at locations close to the reference marks, gave additional information at the elasto-plastic range. Experimental data collected included bending moment as a function of strain, 3-D curvature profiles, springback and reverse bending effects. The technique was proved useful for the experimental evaluation and theoretical validation of bending and springback properties of sheet metal. Experimental results for aluminum and steel alloys are presented.