Hydrodynamic Lubrication in Axisymmetric Stretch Forming—Part 1: Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

An improved theoretical model for the hydrodynamic lubrication of axisymmetric, sheet metal stretch forming is presented. The infinite initial film thickness problem, encountered in a previous model, is removed by accounting for the squeeze action occurring during the initial stages of the process. Both isoviscous and thermoviscous theories are developed assuming that the lubricant is a Newtonian fluid. In the thermoviscous model, the lubricant viscosity is assumed to vary exponentially with temperature. The influence of plastic heating of the sheet on the entrainment and transport of the lubricant film is examined. The effects of variable punch speed are also investigated.