In-situ Observations of Lubricant Film Thickness Distribution in Mixed EHD Point Contacts

  • Hartl, M. (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology) ;
  • Krupka, I. (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology) ;
  • Liska, M. (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology)
  • Published : 2002.10.21

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of rolling speed and surface roughness on the mixed elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication characteristics for point contact formed between a real, random, rough surface, steel ball and smooth glass disc. The Thin Film Colorimetic Interferometry measurement technique has been extended to give detailed information about in-contact deformation of the microgeometry. It has enabled to derive the amplitude reduction curve that shows progressive recovering of ball roughness features with increasing speed.

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