Process and device for controlling the deformation of a metal part, in particular for redressing a metal part

1. A method for tracking deformation of a metal part subjected to a pressure force (F), wherein said method comprises the following steps:

measuring a displacement (d) of the metal part in a deformation zone;

measuring an intensity of the pressure force (F) exerted on a zone of application of said pressure force (F);

calculating, during a first period of a deformation operation, a ratio (α) between the intensity of the pressure force (F) and the displacement (d) of the metal part, said ratio (α) being constant during said first period of the deformation operation; and

determining, with a processor, during a second period of the deformation operation, a displacement value (d e ) related to an elastic deformation of the metal part and a displacement value (d p ) related to a plastic deformation of the metal part from said ratio (α) and a displacement (d a ) measured during said second period of the deformation operation.

2. A method for tracking deformation according to claim 1 , further comprising the following steps:

acquiring an index value (d p ′) for permanent deformation of the metal part;

comparing the displacement value (d p ) related to a plastic deformation of the metal part with said index value (d p ′) of permanent deformation; and

stopping the deformation operation when said displacement value (d p ) related to plastic deformation of the metal part is equal to the said index value (d p ′) of permanent deformation.

3. A method for tracking deformation according to claim 1 , further comprising the following steps:

acquiring a limit value (d max ) of deformation of the metal part;

comparing the measured displacement (d a ) of the metal part with said limit value (d max ); and

stopping the deformation operation when said displacement (d a ) of the metal part is equal to said limit value (d max ).

4. A method for straightening or forming of a metal part, wherein said method comprises the steps of the method of claim 1 , and further comprises straightening or forming said metal part.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said metal part is part of an aircraft.

6. A method for tracking deformation of a metal part subjected to a pressure force (F), wherein said method comprises the following steps:

measuring a displacement (d) of the metal part in a deformation zone;

measuring an intensity of the pressure force (F) exerted on a zone of application of said pressure force (F);

calculating, during a first period of a deformation operation, a ratio (α) between the intensity of the pressure force (F) and the displacement (d) of the metal part, said ratio (α) being constant during said first period of the deformation operation; and

determining, with a processor, during a second period of the deformation operation, a displacement value (d e ) related to an elastic deformation of the metal part and a displacement value (d p ) related to a plastic deformation of the metal part from said ratio (α) and a displacement (d a ) measured during said second period of the deformation operation;

determining an end of said first period of the deformation operation when the calculated ratio (α) between the intensity of the pressure force (F) and the displacement (d a ) of the metal part is no longer constant; and

emitting a warning signal intended for an operator and capable of indicating the start of plastic deformation of the metal part.

7. A device for tracking deformation of a metal part subjected to a pressure force (F), wherein said device comprises:

means for measuring a displacement of the metal part in a deformation zone;

means for measuring the an intensity of the pressure force (F) exerted on a zone of application of said pressure force (F);

means for calculating, during a first period of a deformation operation, a ratio (α) between the intensity of the pressure force (F) and the displacement (d) of the metal part, said ratio (α) being constant during said first period of the deformation operation; and

means for determining, during a second period of the deformation operation, a displacement value (d e ) related to an elastic deformation of the metal part and a displacement value (d p ) related to a plastic deformation of the metal part from said ratio (α) and a displacement (d a ) measured during said second period of the deformation operation.

8. A device for tracking deformation according to claim 7 , further comprising means for emitting a warning signal intended for an operator and capable of indicating the start of plastic deformation of the metal part.

9. A device for tracking deformation according to claim 7 , further comprising means for issuing an instruction for automatically stopping the deformation operation when the displacement value (d p ) related to plastic deformation of the metal part is equal to an index value (d p ′) of permanent deformation or when the displacement (d a ) of the metal part is equal to a limit value (d max ).

10. A tool for straightening or forming a metal part, comprising a jack capable of exerting a pressure force (F) on a zone of the metal part, wherein said tool includes a device according to claim 7 for tracking deformation.

11. The device according to claim 7 , wherein said metal part is part of an aircraft.