Measuring contact pressure distributions under elastohydrodynamic point contacts

Abstract

Abstract Circular point contact EHD pressure distributions were investigated under various operating conditions using a thin film piezo‐resistive pressure transducer. A series of controlled experiments, in which the active element of the transducer is positioned at various contact cross‐sections, was carried out. The results are analysed and presented in the form of isobars. The pressure distribution closely describes the Hertzian pressure profile with a secondary pressure peak appearing prior to and near the exit constriction.