Experimental Investigation of Lubricant Starvation on the Tribo Performance of Ehd Line Contact

Non-conformal EHL line contact frequently operate under server starved lubrication. This is commonly correlated to EHL regimes resulting in reduced lifespan. Consequently, the purpose of this work is to explore the influence of starved lubricant regime on the tribo-performances behaviour of EHD line contact. In the present study, numerical simulation and experimental investigation emphasizes the importance of using lubricant properties response of commercial oils for accurate prediction of EHL characteristics in line contact. Lubricated worn out test specimen surface structures were investigated by measuring the wear and contact friction behaviour in the block-on-roller tribo test rig. Experimental result reveals that wear or failure and contact friction of the surface has been increased under starvation lubricant regime. Surface topography has been constructed sufficiently according to the operating condition of the tribo-pair contact. Microscope and 3D profilometry analysis showed that worn out test specimen surface could show higher wear and contact friction. Numerical simulated results presented, as the position of inlet meniscus moves closer to Hertizian contact an increase in percentage of starvation is observed with increase in speed. Which results, pressure spike and fluid film profile reduction in the contact.