Barreling of Solid Cylinders Under Axial Compression

Axisymmetric compression tests of solid aluminum cylinders, over a wide range of “aspect ratios” (length/diameter) and both under dry as well as lubricated conditions, suggest that the resulting curvature of the “barrel” formed fits closely a circular arc and its radius follows a power law with the true axial compressive stress. The true compressive stress-strain curve, extrapolated from the experimental data in each test, shows that within the variety of lubricants used the Specific Forming Energy is minimum with teflon sheets as dry lubricant, and increases successively with silicon spray, motor oil, and dry friction.