Lubricant Flow in a Plastohydrodynamic Work Zone

An analysis of the lubricant flow in zones of plastic deformation is developed. This includes the effects of different surface temperatures and shear heating within the lubricant film. Thermal effects on the lubricant velocity and temperature profile, traction and volume flow rate are described. The difference in surface temperatures plays a dominant role in deciding the variation of lubricant film thickness with position and time in metal forming operations.