Local-Induction-Heating Bending Process of B1500HS Thin-Walled Rectangular Steel Tubes: A Simulation and Experimental Investigation

To lighten and stiffen the structural components used in automobile bodies, variable curvature local-induction-heating bending forming (VC-LIHBF) technology was developed. However, few studies have been conducted on optimization of geometric parameters inductor LIHBF process. This paper focuses improvement cross-sectional distortion limit thin-walled rectangular steel tubes (TWRSTs) without mandrel support. In this work, a coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis (FEA) method is developed to investigate deformation behavior during VC-LIHBF. The temperature distribution calculated by electromagnetic heat transfer analysis, stress obtained analysis. Experiments were carried out validate reliability proposed model (FEM). results indicate that quality TWRST significantly affected inductor, feed rate tube, push speed roller distance between roller. appropriate process for B1500HS determined. findings study may provide important guidance practical manufacturing via