Bend forming of aluminum alloy integral panel: a review

Abstract

As the main structural component of aircraft skin, aluminum alloy integral panel is characterized by smooth aerodynamic configuration, light weight, high specific strength and stiffness, short fabrication cycle and so on. It is imperative to develop effective forming technology to manufacture integral panel with high configuration and dimension accuracy from flat or profiled sheet metal. Bend forming has advantages over other processes. Significant research work has been carried out in recent decades. This literature covers a review of the research and development of bend forming of aluminum alloy integral panels regarding principles, applications, forming processes and defects like buckling and fracture based on experiments and finite element simulations. Future research directions are also pointed out.