Normal Approach of a Cylinder towards an Elastic Layer

This paper considers the squeeze film lubrication process of a cylinder approaching a plane rigid surface covered in a thin elastic layer. A simplified lubrication theory is presented, which makes the assumption that the shapes of the solids are the same as the elastically deformed surfaces under dry conditions. The lubrication equations are solved using alternative pressure boundary conditions derived from the dry contact pressure curve. In the experiments, lubricant film thickness is measured using optical interference methods. Curves of film thickness against time are plotted, and the effects on these curves of variations in load and layer thickness are shown to agree with the predictions of the theory.