A novel method for integrating first- and second-order differential equations in elastohydrodynamic lubrication for the solution of smooth isothermal, line contact problems

Abstract

This paper contains details of recent developments in the analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication problems using the finite element method. A steady state isothermal finite element formulation of the smooth line contact problem with Newtonian lubricant behaviour is presented containing both first- and second-order formulations of the hydrodynamic equation. Previous problems with the limited range of applicability of both first- and second-order finite difference solutions have been overcome by summing both the first- and second-order equations' weighted contributions. Application of the method to a range of problems unattainable by either single first- or second-order formulations is presented. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.