Thermohydrodynamic Phenomena in Fluid Film Lubrication

Abstract

The classical hydrodynamic theory of fluid film lubrication as described by Reynolds’ equation assumes isothermal conditions in the film. Such conditions may never exist in many engineering applications. A common practice is to calculate bearing performance with isothermal conditions at an average film temperature. This paper presents results on the load-carrying capacity of the film when thermal homogeneity does not exist. An empirical procedure is proposed for the prediction of the thermohydrodynamic behavior of the film. A hysteresis-type phenomenon in the pressure-temperature relationship is also observed.