Effect of Indentation at Rolling Body Surfaces on the Film Formation in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Contact under Dynamic Loads

Abstract

Vibration is one of the phenomena that can occur during the operation of roller bearing which can lead to dynamic loads being subjected to the contact and thus, affect the film formation in elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contacts. On the other hand, surface textures such as artificial indentations and grooves greatly affect the film formation as well as the corresponding pressure distribution in the contact area, since the depths of the textures are usually much greater than the film thickness in the contact. This paper investigates the influence of an artificial indentation located on the rolling element, which passes through a point contact under dynamic loads by means of numerical simulations. Solutions to the Reynolds equation are performed and calculations of the elastic deformation equation, force balance equation and lubricant properties equations to show the effects of both indentation passing through the contact and a sinusoidal dynamic load on the film thickness as well as pressure profile of EHD point contact. Moreover, the effect of frequency and amplitude excitation of the dynamic load on the film formation was investigated. The results revealed that the artificial indentation under sinusoidal dynamic load of EHD point contact induced a significant effect on the thickness of the film formation and pressure distribution.