Modelling of friction with respect to size effects

ABSTRACT: In this paper a size dependent FEM-simulation for sheet metal forming was realized applying the size dependent friction functions acquired from strip drawing tests [1]. The software ABAQUS 6.6.3 was used to simulate the strip drawing tests and deep drawing process in different process dimensions. A 2-dimensional model was built for strip drawing test and a 3-dimensional model was built for deep drawing process. Both processes were experimentally carried out in different dimensions. A constant friction coefficient as well as a friction function, which shows a dependence of friction coefficient on the contact pressure, was applied in the simulation. The simulated punch force vs. punch travel curves were then compared with the experimental curves. A discussion about the difference between these curves with consideration of tribological size effects will be given