A Water Evaporation Based Model for Lubricant Dryoff on Die Surfaces Heated Beyond the Leidenfrost Point

Abstract

Lubricants in hot forging are applied to the heated die surface by spraying dilute water based graphite suspensions through high-pressure nozzles. To avoid undesirable steam formation, these lubricant droplets need to completely dry before deformation begins. This paper presents an analytical model to estimate evaporation time for the impacting drops at surface temperatures above Leidenfrost, 300–450°C. It is based on the suspension of deformed droplet on a vapor cushion sustained by a continuous supply of water from the drying droplet. Model predictions are validated by single droplet experiments with different surface temperatures, dilution ratios, and impacting speeds.