Abstract: Springback is one of important factors influencing the forming quality of numerical control (NC) bending of thin-walled tube. In this paper, a numerical-analytic method for springback angle prediction of the process was put forward. The method is based on springback angle model derived using analytic method and simulation results from three-dimensional (3D) rigid-plastic finite element method (FEM). The method is validated through comparison with experimental results. The features of the method are as follows: (1) The method is high in efficiency because it combines advantages of rigid-plastic FEM and analytic method. (2) The method is satisfactory in accuracy, since the field variables used in the model is resulting from 3D rigid-plastic FEM solution, and the effects both of axial force and strain neutral axis shift have been included. (3) Research on multi-factor effects can be carried out using the method due to its advantage inheriting from rigid-plastic FEM. The method described here is also of general significance to other bending processes.

Key words: hin-walled tube, Numerical control bending, Springback, Numerical-analytic method...