Numerical simulation of lubricated contact in rolling processes

In this paper, the lubrication problem in numerical simulation of rolling process is presented. In this case, the recent and complex model of Marsault for the solution of the mixed lubrication regime has been implemented and tested. This model requires 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-dependent Reynolds' equation coupled with the deformation of the workpiece is proposed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.