Formation of Steady Dimples in Point TEHL Contacts

Abstract

Experimental results of steady dimples measured in elliptical glass-steel contact under pure sliding conditions are presented. It is found that two dimples connected with a shallower furrow are generated, each near an end of the major radius of the contact ellipse. The complete solution of the corresponding thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) problem is calculated numerically. Good agreement is obtained between the experimental and theoretical results. This agreement can be explained by the temperature-viscosity wedge mechanism. Correctness of this mechanism is demonstrated using additional experiments with ceramic balls in contact with glass and sapphire disks.