Abstract: A method for forming a metal beam may comprise: clamping first and second portions of the metal beam in a substantially fixed and in a position whereat the metal beam is rotatable about three axes; applying a net bending force to the clamped second portion of the metal beam at a predetermined angle; sensing twisting of the second portion of the metal beam resulting from the net bending force; and modulating the angle at which the net force is applied to reduce the twisting of the metal beam. As a result, the net bending force is moved toward the shear center and toward being along the principal axis of the metal beam.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal beam may comprise: clamping first and second portions of the metal beam in a substantially fixed and in a position whereat the metal beam is rotatable about three axes; applying a net bending force to the clamped second portion of the metal beam at a predetermined angle; sensing twisting of the second portion of the metal beam resulting from the net bending force; and modulating the angle at which the net force is applied to reduce the twisting of the metal beam. As a result, the net bending force is moved toward the shear center and toward being along the principal axis of the metal beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending metal beams and methods of using the same are provided herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending metal beams and methods of using the same are provided herein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for developing the contour of tools employed for forming members exhibiting complex shapes. The members may be precipitation, heat treatable, metals or metal alloys which are age formed, although they be of any material which exhibits a relationship between a strain applied by a forming tool, or otherwise, and a resulting strain after release of the applied strain. The resulting member may be formed to the desired contour as a result of exposure to an elevated temperature but the member may also be cold formed. The invention is particularly concerned with a methodology for simplifying the analysis of integrally stiffened structures of complex shape. The method of the invention assures proper results on the first occasion the tool is used, thereby resulting in considerable savings of labor and material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for developing the contour of tools employed for forming aluminum alloy members exhibiting complex shapes. The members are precipitation, heat-treatable, aluminum alloys which are age formed. The resulting member is formed to the desired contour and, simultaneously, is heat treated to reduce residual stresses while improving its strength characteristics. The invention is particularly concerned with a new tool contour prediction method which is based upon the relationship, for a particular aluminum alloy, of the strain retained in a part after it has been subjected to an applied strain while constrained to a desired shape, then released after being heat treated in an autoclave or furnace.