Regimes of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

Abstract

The different regimes of behaviour in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rollers are displayed on a chart whose rectangular co-ordinates express the influence of elasticity of the solids and variation of viscosity of the lubricant with pressure respectively. At small values of these co-ordinates, i.e. at a very light load, the behaviour is effectively rigidisoviscous. At high loads the relative importance of elastic deformation and variable viscosity is shown to depend upon a single parameter suggested by Archard. Approximate boundaries for the various regimes are suggested. Using the computer solutions which are available, the variations in film thickness and pressure distribution in the different regimes are examined.