Experimental Measurement of the Stress Gradient in a Bent Sheet

Stress gradients were experimentally measured in a 316 stainless steel sheet after bending with a press brake. Two different tool radii and three different bend angles were used to produce plastically bent sheets. Microhardness tests were performed across the thickness of the bent sheet, and a correlation between microhardness and strength was experimentally determined and was used to obtain the stress gradient. The position of the experimentally determined neutral plane correlated well with theory. Theoretical calculations of the stress gradient were made using a power law constitutive equation along with a simple mechanics analysis of plastic bending. Four of the six bending experimental conditions had reasonable correlation with the theoretical calculations. Ideas for improving this experimental method are discussed.