Engineering analysis of rough elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts

Abstract Dry contact and linear analyses provide tools for the rapid estimation of the pressures in elastohydrodynamically lubricated (EHL) contacts. The first gives an approximate upper limit to the contact pressures and stresses that can occur. The second gives an estimate of the effect of the lubricant film. A number of rough contacts are examined to see how the two estimates compare with accurate calculations from an EHL solver. Although there are differences, the two rapid analyses provide information that can aid the rational design of rough contacts.