Average Flow Model of Rough Surface Lubrication: Flow Factors for Sinusoidal Surfaces

Abstract

The effects of lubricant film flow, pressurized and sheared between two parallel sinusoidal wavy surfaces in sliding motion is studied analytically. Results are presented using a flow factor model which provides an average description of the surfaces roughness impact. Two distinct cases are studied in order to compare stationary or time dependent local aperture configurations. Flow factors are computed respectively for each case through spatial or spatio-temporal average, revealing striking differences. The results shed light on the relevance of the composite roughness concept. Special attention is paid to the flow factor analytical behavior when surfaces are near contact.