Elastohydrodynamic Grease Lubrication Theory and Numerical Solution in Line Contacts

In this paper, film thickness and pressure distribution of EHL in line contacts for four kinds of greases and one type of oil are calculated under a series of rolling velocities by using an inverse solution method. The Herschel-Bulkley model is used for the rheological characteristics of the grease. Based on the theoretical analysis and numerical calculation, the following influences on film thickness and pressure distribution in EHL of grease are analyzed: the effects of starvation, yield stress, presheared grease and fresh grease, and approach and separation between two cylinders. The effect of different rheological characteristics of grease on film thickness is also investigated.