Numerical Methods for the Lubricated Contact Between Solids in Metal Forming Processes

In this paper, the lubrication problem in numerical simulation of forming processes is presented. In the case of the rolling process, the recent and complex model of Marsault for the solution of the mixed lubrication regime has been implemented and tested. This model needs the use of the finite difference method to work properly. We will discuss the advantages and the difficulties encountered when trying to solve the same problem with the finite element method in a general frame. Finally, a finite element formulation for the solution of the time dependant Reynolds’ equation coupled with the deformation of the workpiece is proposed.