Finite Element Mass-Conserving Cavitation Algorithm in Pure Squeeze Motion. Validation/Application to a Connecting- Rod Small End Bearing

A simple analytical approach using conditions of conservation of the mass is proposed for the 1-D “negative squeeze” lubrication problem in order to calculate the cavitation boundary position during oscillatory motion of two plates. The same geometrical case is analyzed using Bonneau’s finite element code. Good agreements between analytical and numerical results support validation of Bonneau’s algorithm. As an example of application of this algorithm to squeeze motion case, the EHD lubrication of an elastic connecting-rod small end bearing is analyzed. Influences of the shaft elasticity and lubricant piezoviscosity are presented. [S0742-4787(00)02101-9]