An Interpolation Procedure for the Minimum Film Thickness in Point Contacts

Abstract

Most engineering point contacts operate in, or close to, the elastic piezoviscous regime. A general interpolation procedure is presented by which the minimum film thickness in any such contact may be estimated. This procedure matches all existing numerical and experimental results with high accuracy. Design charts are provided and these enable the minimum film thickness to be read directly and also allow the effect of changes in contact geometry and operating conditions to be assessed.