The Normal Approach, Contact, and Rebound of Lubricated Cylinders

Abstract

An algorithm has been developed to simulate the normal approach, contact, and rebound of lubricated cylinders. The detailed interaction between the lubricated cylinders is predicted, thus providing the pressure distribution, contact forces, and other variables useful in predicting rates of wear. The present technique improves on the existing elastohydrodynamic (EHD) models in the following areas: (1) during contact a solid-solid model is used; (2) a two-dimensional analysis is used to obtain the pressure distributions in both the circumferential and axial directions; (3) inertia effects are approximated; and (4) any specified load can be treated. The simulated results for the constant load case are compared with the results of Wada and Tsukijihara and a formula developed by Cameron. For sinusoidal loads the results are compared with experimental data from a cylinder and sleeve apparatus.