Comparison of tribological performance of roller follower and flat follower under mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication regime

Abstract

In this study, a numerical model is developed to show the performance improvement of a cam–follower mechanism when using a roller type follower compared to the flat-faced follower. Nonconformal geometry besides the thermal effects due to the shearing of the lubricant film results in formation of a thin film in which the asperities contribute in carrying the load. The numerical model is developed in which the geometry, load, speed, lubricant properties, and the surface roughness profile is taken as input and the film thickness and friction coefficient as a function of cam angle are predicted. The asperities are assumed to have elastic, elasto-plastic, and plastic deformation. Simulation results indicated that the thermal effects cannot be neglected. Surface roughness is also a key parameter that affects the pressure distribution, film thickness, and friction coefficient. Finally, asperity and hydrodynamic pressure is reported and the performance of the two mechanisms is compared. Roller follower has a considerable preference in terms of friction coefficient compared to flat-faced follower. The minimum film thickness, however, is slightly larger in the flat follower.