What is the approximate thickness of the neutral axis from the inside of a bend?

The thickness of the neutral axis from the inside of a bend is approximately 44.5% of the sheet thickness. This value derives from the understanding of how materials deform during bending. When a sheet is bent, the material experiences tension on the outside and compression on the inside, creating a neutral axis where the material neither stretches nor compresses.

This neutral axis is not located exactly at the center of the material because the distribution of stress and strain is uneven during the bending process. Research and empirical formulas have established the proportion of the sheet thickness that corresponds to the neutral axis, which is found to be around 44.5% in many common bending scenarios. This value can vary slightly depending on factors such as the material properties and the radius of the bend, but it provides a reliable approximation for engineers and designers working with sheet metal and similar materials in aerospace applications. Understanding this concept is critical for ensuring proper design and material selection to avoid failures during bending processes.