Advanced friction modeling for bulk metal forming processes

The finite element method is a powerful tool for the design and optimization of hot forming processes. In order to obtain high accuracy in simulation results, exact knowledge of the process conditions is required. Due to the fact that friction in the contact area has a significant impact on the material flow during the forming process, a realistic description of this boundary condition in the FE simulation is important for the usability of the simulation results. The most important influencing factors are the contact pressure, the roughness of the contact surfaces, the sliding velocity and the flow behavior of the material. Currently, only constant friction coefficients are considered in commercial finite element systems for the simulation of bulk metal forming processes. However, this description does not represent the state of the art in tribology. A new friction model is developed, taking into account the sliding velocity between tools and workpiece. This is confirmed by experimental and numerical investigations on model experiments and industrial process.