Parametric finite element model of temperature/stress field evolution by metal laser solid forming

Based on Ansys secondary development language APDL, a parametric temperature/stress finite element model for metal laser solid forming (MLSF) process was developed. The model allows for non-linear behavior of material properties, Gaussian distribution of laser energy, thermal convection and radiation boundary condition, phase change, free deformation constraints condition et al. A full finite element model of MLSF process is established by transition mesh technology. Accuracy of simulation is improved and the element number is reduced under the model. The temperature/stress evolution of MLSF process is simulated based on moving laser beam and element birth and death technology. On the basis of the temperature distribution is evolution, the reason of inducing the compress plastic stress, tensile plastic stress and unloading zones is analyzed. The influence of MLSF process conditions on temperature/stress can be studied by utilizing the parametric finite element model in order to optimize the MLSF process.