Lubrication Regimes: Point Contacts

Synonyms

EHL regime and point contact; Point-contact EHL regimes; Rectangular contacts, point contacts

Definition

Hydrodynamic lubrication involves the formation of a load-carrying fluid film by virtue of the motion of rubbing surfaces and geometry of the gap between them. Elastohydrodynamic lubrication is a mode of hydrodynamic lubrication, usually employed in non-conformal contacts, where the contact pressure is so high that the generation of a sufficiently thick fluid film is assisted largely by the elastic deformation of mating surfaces and the increased lubricant viscosity attributed to high pressure. Non-conformal contacts include line contacts (for example, contact between gear teeth, cam and follower, cylindrical rollers, etc.) and point contacts (for example, contact between ball and race in ball bearings, pin and disc, etc.).

Scientific Fundamentals

Broadly, four lubrication regimes have been identified depending upon the extents of piezo-viscous effect and elastic...