Study on mechanical properties after laser forming

Laser forming is a means of processing materials in a novel manner. The mechanical properties of specimens after laser forming are investigated. By tension tests, the tension properties are analyzed to establish Ramberg–Osgood constitutive equations under different laser processing parameters. Experimental data show that the yield strength and tensile strength are improved after laser forming, while the elongation percentage is reduced. Based on the distribution of residual stresses as well as residual strains after the laser forming process, the fatigue life under different laser processing parameters is studied using low-cycle fatigue tests. The residual compressive plastic strain is the most important reason for improving the fatigue life of low carbon steel after laser forming. The fatigue fracture mechanism is shown through the analysis of macro-fracture and micro-fracture using the scanning electronic microscope.