| Abstract: | The paper describes methods which have been developed for theoretical analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) in situations where the nominal oil film thickness is of the same order as the height of roughness asperities on the surfaces in contact. In such contacts the roughness significantly affects the distribution of pressure, and pressures much higher than predicted on the basis of smooth surface theory are obtained even under conditions where a full fluid film is present. This has consequences for surface fatigue processes such as pitting, and the presence of roughness is also considered to be a crucial factor in the occurrence of scuffing in which hydrodynamic film failure leads to adhesion and severe distress of the surfaces. The major aim of the work is to develop a better undertanding of the physics of scuffing based upon models of film failure in the presence of roughness. |
