Refined Models for Hydrodynamic Lubrication in Axisymmetric Stretch Forming

Abstract

Two mathematical models for axisymmetric stretch forming with a spherical punch are developed. The models combine a finite element representation of the sheet deformation with a hydrodynamic lubrication model. In one model the influence of sheet bending stiffness is taken into account while in the other only the membrane stiffness is considered. Comparison of the predictions of the models with the film thickness measurements of Hector and Wilson indicates that the inclusion of elastic effects is important in predicting lubricant film thickness. The results of the bending model are in particularly good agreement with the experimental data. A useful analytical method for predicting the film thickness at the center of the conjunction at the onset of yield is also developed.