On Three-Dimensional Flat-Top Defects Passing Through an EHL Point Contact: A Comparison of Modeling with Experiments

A direct comparison between experimental and numerical results for the passage of an array of 3D flat-top, square shaped surface features through an EHL point contact is presented. Results for pure rolling conditions show that the features' deformation in the high-pressure region is governed by their ability to entrap lubricant both underneath and in the grooves during their passage through the inlet zone. Film perturbations associated with each defect occur as locally enhanced regions of lubricant and film thickness microconstrictions. Under sliding conditions the features sustain further deformations as they traverse the high-pressure conjunction and meet the highly viscous lubricant entrapped in the grooves, which moves at a different velocity. Lubricant is also seen to accumulate just in front or behind the features depending on the slide-to-roll ratio. Overall, the results highlight the importance of understanding the effects of the defects structure and the lubricant rheology on the film thickness to unravel the effects of real roughness patterns.

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