Influential parameters in splash lubrication generated by a partially immersed rotating disc

Splash lubrication has been extensively investigated regarding churning losses. However, the highly chaotic nature of the projected flow still limits the ability to predict and to control lubricant distribution accurately, thereby restricting the optimisation of splash lubrication strategies. This paper presents an experimental study of the key parameters governing the flow projected by partially immersed rotating discs. Firstly, the experimental procedure is presented. Following this, an initial test campaign evaluates the effect of various parameters on the projected flow rate. A methodology is then introduced to quantitatively distinguish fluid entrainment and fluid projection. The results show that the existing model developed to predict oil projection for gears is not consistent with the experimental observations. This discrepancy is partly attributable to the physical formulation. A correction based on the theory describing flow near fully immersed rotating discs is therefore proposed. This modification significantly improves the model. Overall, the present study paves the way for more efficient and reliable lubrication systems by demonstrating how oil supply can be precisely controlled under splash lubrication conditions.