Fully Coupled Elastohydrodynamic Solution Techniques for the Analysis of Real Rough Line Contacts using Finite Element and Finite Difference Models

This paper describes two computational models for the analysis of real roughness, line contact, elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) problems assuming non-Newtonian lubricant behaviour. Models have been developed based on finite element and finite difference techniques. They are extremely robust with convergence of the numerical method assured irrespective of the starting conditions. Results are presented for a series of real roughness contacts. Of particular importance are the results where the lubricant film is considerably thinner than the roughness features of the surface finish. The results exhibit much less pressure rippling and asperity deformation than has been seen in equivalent Newtonian analyses.

[1]  Henry Peredur Evans,et al.  A Model for Elastohydrodynamic Film Failure in Contacts Between Rough Surfaces Having Transverse Finish , 1996 .

[2]  Henry Peredur Evans,et al.  Conditions for Scuffing Failure of Ground and Superfinished Steel Disks at High Sliding Speeds Using a Gas Turbine Engine Oil , 1995 .

[3]  R. Bosma,et al.  The Influence of Longitudinal and Transverse Roughness on the Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Circular Contacts , 1988 .

[4]  T. F. Conry,et al.  The Effects of Surface Irregularities on the Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Sliding Line Contacts. Part I—Single Irregularities , 1984 .

[5]  B. J. Hamrock,et al.  Fast Approach for Calculating Film Thicknesses and Pressures in Elastohydrodynamically Lubricated Contacts at High Loads , 1986 .

[6]  T. F. Conry,et al.  Effects of Lubricant Rheology and Kinematic Conditions on Micro-Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication , 1989 .

[7]  Henry Peredur Evans,et al.  Simulation of Elastohydrodynamic Contacts Between Rough Surfaces , 1992 .

[8]  J A Greenwood,et al.  The Behaviour of Transverse Roughness in EHL Contacts , 1994 .

[9]  A. Jackson,et al.  On the Pressure Rippling and Roughness Deformation in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Rough Surfaces , 1993 .

[10]  T. F. Conry,et al.  A Reynolds-Eyring Equation for Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication in Line Contacts , 1987 .

[11]  Henry Peredur Evans,et al.  Micro-Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of an Elliptical Contact With Transverse and Three-Dimensional Sinusoidal Roughness , 1989 .

[12]  Hideaki Okamura,et al.  Paper XI(iii) – A contribution to the numerical analysis of isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication , 1993 .

[13]  Herbert S. Cheng,et al.  A Transient EHL Analysis for Line Contacts With Measured Surface Roughness Using Multigrid Technique , 1994 .

[14]  G. M. Hamilton.  Tribology of reciprocating engines: Edited by D. Dowson, C.M. Taylor, M. Godet and D. Berthe , 1983 .

[15]  K. Johnson,et al.  The Rheological Properties of Elastohydrodynamic Lubricants , 1986 .