Mechanical analysis of flexible bending of tubes

Abstract

Flexible bending successfully solves the problem of multi-curvature and small batch of bending tubes. In the flexible bending process of tubes, the stress state and deformation of bent tubes are complex. In order to better understand and analyze the bending deformation of tubes, the bending process of tubes was analyzed mechanically and the formula of bending moment was deduced. The residual stress in the forming process of tubes was analyzed by finite element numerical simulation. The results show that the bending moment is closely related to the tube specifications, material properties and bending curvature. In the process of flexible bending, the distribution of circumferential residual stress has some regularity; the thrust of pusher has stability and increases with the decrease of bending radius.