A Theory of Hydrodynamic Friction Forces in Starved Point Contact Considering Cavitation

Abstract

Expressions for the hydrodynamic friction forces between two rigid bodies each having two principal radii of curvature have been found using an exponential pressure-viscosity assumptions. The rolling friction forces are presented graphically in terms of a dimensionless meniscus distance. These formulas are applicable to the computation of the rolling friction in a ball-race contact and in a ball-cage contact with a variable degree of starvation. In particular, the rolling friction forces can be predicted as a function of the usual speed-viscosity parameter and the thickness of the inlet fluid layer far upstream of the inlet.