Raman microspectroscopy of a working elastohydrodynamic contact

Abstract

Abstract The design and operation of two closely‐related pieces of apparatus which allow the acquisition of Raman spectra from lubricant fluids ‘in lubro’ in an elastohydrodynamic contact are reported. Spectroscopic sensitivity was not sufficient to allow a detailed structural interpretation of the spectra under these extreme conditions. However, the systems have been used in a novel way to obtain profiles and maps of the pressure distribution, as experienced by the fluid in the working elastohydrodynamic contact.