Analytical models for the tube bendability evaluation

This work concerns with the final thickness evaluation of bent tubes by means of a regression
formula of the most effective process variables. By Design of Experiment (DOE) coupled with
Finite Element (FE) simulations, the effects of tube initial thickness and diameter, bending
angle and radius are investigated. To assess material influence the simulation plan has been
replicated for different kind of materials. In the present paper the results of the AISI 321 not
annealed are shown.
The regression formula has been tested by means of 10 random simulations together with an
experimental measurement on tubes used for the production of a manifold of car exhaust
system.