CFD Modelling of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

Abstract

Traditionally the problem of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) has been solved using the Reynolds equations for fluid flow. In this paper we explore the finite volume method (FVM) to model fluid behaviour in rolling-element bearing systems. The effect of cavitation is modelled with a barotropic cavitation model. We investigate two cases with a cylinder on a flat plate, one under rolling and one under sliding conditions. These solutions are compared to the Reynolds-EHL approach. Towards higher loads, stability problems are encountered and strategies for dealing with these are discussed.