Classification of laser shock forming within the field of high speed forming processes

TEA-CO2-laser induced shock waves are used to form metal foils, such as aluminum or copper. The process utilizes an initiated plasma shock wave on the target surface, which leads to forming of the sheet. Several pulses can be applied at one point in order to achieve a high forming degree without increasing the energy density beyond the ablation limit. During the process, typical pressure peaks up to 15 MPa can be achieved. In order to classify the process in the framework of high speed forming processes, the strain rates as well as the temporal varying deformation velocity due to different materials have been identified on the basis of a bending process and a theoretical model for deformation velocity is proposed.