Simulation of Elastohydrodynamic Contacts Between Rough Surfaces

Abstract

The paper describes the results of an elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) analysis of an elliptical contact between a rough, stationary surface and a smooth, moving surface. The roughness consists of two-dimensional grooves/ridges aligned in a direction perpendicular to that of lubricant entrainment, and is sinusoidal in profile with two scales of wavelength and amplitude. The main feature of these results is the significant degree of asperity deformation and corresponding ripple in the pressure distribution. Also presented are preliminary results of a line contact EHL analysis in which profiles from real surfaces are used to simulate the lubrication of gear teeth at high temperatures. These results show significantly less proportional reduction of roughness due to asperity deformation.