Finite Element Analysis of the Effect of Flexible Pad on the Deformation of Metal Foils in Flexible Pad Laser Shock Microforming

Abstract

Flexible Pad Laser Shock Forming (FPLSF) is a new microforming process using laser-induced shock pressure and a flexible pad. This process involves high strain-rate (~105 s-1) plastic deformation of metallic foils along with the hyperelastic deformation of the flexible elastomer pad over which the foil is positioned. This paper studies the influence of flexible pad on the shockwave propagation behavior and the plastic deformation of metal foil in FPLSF using finite element analysis. The effect of flexible pad materials such as silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber and natural rubber on the deformation of copper foils has been analysed in detail. An increase in crater depth is observed with the reduction in flexible pad hardness. However, it is found that there exists an optimum hardness of the flexible pad to achieve perfect hemispherical craters on metal foils, as bending of foils at non-deformed region is observed with softer pads whereas flattening of crater surface occurs with harder pads. The effect of flexible pad thickness on the foil deformation was analyzed at six different thickness levels: 300 μm, 600 μm, 900 μm, 1200 μm, 1500 μm, and 2000 μm. Similarly, there exists an optimum flexible pad thickness to maximize the crater depth and achieve the hemispherical shapes. Analysis of flexible pad thickness indicates that the pad thickness influences the elastic recovery of the flexible-pad and hence the plastic deformation of the metallic foils.