Simulation on deforming progress and stress evolution during laser shock forming with finite element method

•A FEM model with the code LS-DYNA has been built to simulate LSF dynamic behaviors.•Solution time should be set to ms level, which is greatly longer than that in LSP.•Metal sheet first experiences shearing deformation and then stretch deformation.•The temporal reverse deformation occurs in evolution of bulge shape.•The depth of bulge firstly lasts increasing and then undergoes several spring backs.