A Simple Model for Scuffing Risk Evaluation of Point Contact Under Mixed Lubrication

Abstract

This paper developed a point-contact mixed lubrication (ML) model, incorporating thermal effect, the asperity elasto-plastic deformation and the boundary film properties, to evaluate the relative severity of contact condition. Then, based on the integrity of boundary films and the sharp increase of the friction coefficient, the possibility of the occurrence of scuffing was evaluated. The model was verified with published experimental data. A systematic parametric analysis was made to investigate the influences of surface roughness, contact geometry, and the lubricant properties on contact performance. The results suggest that low surface roughness and high-quality boundary film can effectively improve the scuffing resistance under current operating conditions, while high-viscosity oil and large-radius curvature are not as much effective especially when the components work under high-sliding and high–temperature conditions.