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research article

Length Numerical Modeling of Rough Contact Interfaces with Trapped Compressive Liquid Pockets

Alavi, P.  
•
Anciaux, G.  
•
Rocchi, L.  
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February 1, 2026
Tribology International

We introduce a novel numerical model that integrates a Boundary Element Method (BEM) code in Fourier space to solve the problem of lubricated frictional contact between rough surfaces. This model accounts scenarios where the lubricant quantity is significant yet discontinuous, leading to the formation of trapped, compressible lubricant pockets at the contact interface. Additionally, it incorporates the plastic behavior solid surfaces through a simple plastic saturation method, enabling comprehensive analysis of contact area, pressure distribution, and variations in the friction coefficient across a wide range of conditions, such lubricant type, density, and surface roughness. Comparison with experimental strip-drawing tests shows that, despite its simplicity, the model successfully captures the observed trend of a decreasing friction coefficient with increasing normal pressure in a mixed lubrication regime. Notably, the study reveals that when the amount of lubricant is insufficient to fully fill interfacial gap, even minor adjustments in its distribution can significantly influence the friction behavior aluminum during forming processes.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.1016/j.triboint.2025.111142
Web of Science ID

WOS:001568244900001

Author(s)
Alavi, P.  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Anciaux, G.  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Rocchi, L.  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Richard, J.

Novelis R&D Ctr Sierre

Molinari, Jean-Francois  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Date Issued

2026-02-01

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Published in
Tribology International
Volume

214

Article Number

111142

Subjects

Friction coefficient

•

Mixed lubrication

•

Contact mechanics

•

Boundary Element Method

•

Compressible lubricants

•

Sheet metal forming

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
LSMS  
FunderFunding(s)Grant NumberGrant URL

Innosuisse (Swiss Innovation Agency)

100.777 IP-ENG

Novelis

Available on Infoscience
September 29, 2025
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/254321
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