Prediction of Shallow Indentation Effects in a Rolling-Sliding EHL Contact Based on Amplitude Attenuation Theory

Abstract

In this paper amplitude attenuation theory is used to predict film thickness variations caused by shallow indentation inside a rolling-sliding elastohydrodynamic (EHL) contact. The model providing a complete analytical description of roughness passage through the contact is considered. The estimation model is compared with film thickness measurement obtained by optical interferometry. The in-contact effects for several shapes of indentation were simulated. It is clearly shown that optimal indentation profile should have smooth shape with large diameter and small depth. The results were generally explained on theoretical curves which bring a clear insight into the transient phenomenon and can be used as a rapid engineering tool.

Keywords

• micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication
• surface roughness
• amplitude attenuation theory
• film thickness