Mixed lubrication — an overview

Abstract The regime known as ‘mixed’ lubrication lies between those of hydrodynamic and elastohydrodynamic. This paper reviews work on this subject, in order to recognise the key areas of progress, and of ignorance. Film thickness and surface roughness are discussed, to conclude that below certain values of λ, there are limitations to earlier models. Computational solution of the micro‐EHD problem has largely succeeded, as well as more analytical approaches. The mixed lubrication regime has been studied by electrical contact resistance, friction measurement, and, more recently, analysis has been aided by optical interferometry — the implications of this work, and future prospects, are addressed.