Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of a Line Contact

Abstract

In Part 1, optical interferometry is used to study an elastohydrodynamically lubricated line contact between a taper roller and a glass plate under pure rolling conditions. The results give detailed information on film profiles and show the effects of end blending, lubricant starvation, deep scratches and static oil entrapments. In Part 2, oil film thicknesses in an elastohydrodynamic line contact are measured using optical interferometry and compared with theory. Two empirical formulae are derived for film thickness in the central region and at the exit constriction. In addition to the optical measurements, electrical measurements (resistance and capacitance) are made simultaneously, enabling a direct comparison to be made.