A Theory of Mixed Lubrication

Abstract

The phenomena observed when a lubricated contact or bearing is operating under mixed lubrication conditions are assumed to arise from an interaction of the surface asperities or roughness as well as from hydro-dynamic action of the sliding surfaces. It is shown how one of the previously published stochastic models of hydrodynamic lubrication can be extended or generalized to deal with mixed lubricating conditions. As an illustration of the application of the theory to a concrete example the influence on the operating characteristics of a plane pad, no side-leakage bearing is analysed. It is found that in the mixed lubrication regime friction is mainly controlled by the boundary lubrication properties of the liquid–solid interface. Load, on the other hand, is almost entirely controlled by the hydro-dynamic properties of the bearing. It is demonstrated how transition to mixed lubrication conditions will cause a rapid rise in friction thereby producing a minimum point in the Stribeck type diagram.