A Finite Element Study of Capstan Friction Test

In this paper the capstan friction test, which is also called as SMFS (sheet metal forming simulator) test, was simulated by the explicit finite element method. By using 3D finite element models and local axis system, pressure distributions on the frictional contact surfaces were investigated. The simulation showed non‐uniform pressure distributions both in longitudinal and transverse directions of a contact surface. It was also observed that the real pin/strip contact angle is less than the wrap angle. Finally, friction coefficients were calculated using the tension forces obtained from the simulations by the commonly used equation that originated from the rope/pulley analogy. In spite of the observed phenomena, which deviate from the expectation of rope/pulley analogy, the equations well predicted the friction coefficients.