Paper Title
Bending Formability of Friction Stir Processed Light Metal Sheets

Abstract
Metal sheets play a critical role in automotive, aerospace, and various industrial applications, with aluminium and magnesium alloys gaining prominence due to their lightweight characteristics. However, their comparatively poor formability presents significant challenges in press forming when contrasted with steel. This research examines the influence of friction stir processing (FSP) on enhancing the bending formability of AZ31 Mg alloy and AA5052 Al alloy sheets. Commercial thin sheets were subjected to FSP, followed by surface milling to ensure uniform smoothness. Bending tests were conducted to determine the minimum bend radius and springback, enabling a comparison between FSP-treated and untreated specimens. The results revealed that FSP significantly improved bending formability for AZ31 sheets in specific orientations, mitigating cracking and reducing springback through grain refinement. However, it was observed that the plastic anisotropy was unexpectedly strengthened in certain cases. For AA5052 sheets, FSP consistently decreased springback across all orientations, indicating its broader applicability and effectiveness. These findings underscore the potential of FSP as a viable method for enhancing the formability of lightweight metal sheets, particularly in applications requiring superior bending performance. This study contributes to the advancement of forming processes for lightweight alloys, addressing critical industrial challenges. Keywords - Aluminium alloy, Bending Formability, Friction Stir Processing, Magnesium Alloy, Sheet Forming