Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Finite Line Contacts

Abstract

In this paper, a numerical solution to the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) problem is presented for a cylindrical roller with axially profiled ends, rolling over a flat plane. Convergence was obtained for moderate load and material parameters (glass, steel, and a mineral oil). Isobars, contours, and section graphs, show pressure variation and film shape. Predictions of film thickness compare favorably with experiments which use the optical interference method, as well as with other theoretical results for an infinite line contact, or an ellipse having a long slender aspect ratio. The maximum EHL pressure occurs near the start of the profiling and can exceed pressure concentrations there predicted by elastostatic theory.