Evolution of springback and neutral layer of AZ31B magnesium alloy V-bending under warm forming conditions

The evolution of springback and neutral layer for AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet was investigated by V-bending tests at temperatures from 50 to 300 °C. Moreover, in order to perceive the influence of the punch radii on springback and offset of neutral layer, the tests with punch radii at 7.5, 8.1, 8.7 and 9.3 mm were conducted at 100 °C. The results show that the neutral layer shifts to the tension zone of the sheets. The coefficient of neutral layer (k-value) decreases with the increase of temperature and punch radii. This is mainly because of the asymmetry between the outer tension layer and inner compression layer during bending. The outer tension region is dominated by slip, while the inner compression region is dominated by twinning. With the increase of temperature, the asymmetry of tension–compression becomes weaker, and the offset of neutral layer decreases. The offset of neutral layer increases as punch radii decreases. The shift of neutral layer of AZ31B sheet results in the calculation of springback bigger than the reality.

► The thickness of AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet after V-bending increases.
► The neutral layer shifts to the tension zone of the sheets.
► The deformation mechanism between outer and inner region is asymmetric.
► The shift of neutral layer has an effect on the springback.