Experimental Study of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

This paper describes experimental measurements of the conditions occurring in the conjunctive region of two lubricated cylindrical disks which roll or roll and slide on their peripheral surfaces under load. The results of these measurements are compared with those of the recent elastohydrodynamic theory, including thermal effects. The measured quantities include lubricant film pressure distribution, surface temperature distribution, and the shape and thickness of the lubricant film, all measured in the direction of rolling. The results suggest several improvements and modifications of the thermal elastohydrodynamic theory including an improved analysis of the inlet region and modification of the lubricant rheological model to include effects of shear or time dependence.