Finite element analysis and optimization of springback reduction: The ''double-bend'' technique

According to the double-bend technique, springback can be reduced if the U-channel is unbent and bent again at a new site. Thus springback is a function of both the forming die gap and the plate opening. The purpose of this research is first to use the finite element method to analyze the relationship between springback and the forming variables, and then to combine an optmization technique with the finite element analysis to find the optimum forming parameters to reduce the springback. The solutions are compared with experimental data in the literature.