A numerical method for the calculation of lubricant pressures in bearings with mixed lubrication

A model for mixed lubrication, assuming that the total normal load applied to the plane of the lubricated surfaces is carried partly by the hydrodynamic action of the lubrication film and partly by asperity contacts and that the total friction force between the lubricated surfaces is partly due to viscous friction and partly to asperity contacts, was used to develop a numerical solution for pressure distribution in a bearing experiencing mixed lubrication. The geometry treated and the pressure distribution obtained were for a simple slider bearing, but the method could easily be extended to other shapes. The model is based on measured roughness of a real surface. Real load carrying capacity and drag can therefore be determined since they are related directly to bearing pressure distribution