Effects of varying friction coefficient on rolling pressure distribution

Abstract

Accurate characteristics of roll pressure distribution is essential in the estimation of the energy and power requirements for parts undergoing plastic deformation. The nature of the pressure distribution is very sensitive to the friction coefficient between the roller and the deformed part. The physics of the deformation process points to a variable friction coefficient, however, current research and practices result in the use of a constant friction coefficient. This work explored the development of a technique to determine a quantitative relationship between the variable friction coefficient and the process parameters. The pressure distribution was then developed within the contact region using the variable friction coefficient model. Results show that current approach used by industry (‘the rule of thumb’) overestimates the pressure distribution, compared to the current research, thus wasting power needed for the rolling operation by about 18%.

 Keywords: Rolling; varying friction coefficient; pressure distribution; power