A simplified thermal plasto-elastohydrodynamic lubrication model for circular contact with real surface roughness

The current increase in power density, contact load and speeds have imposed new challenges on elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) contact models. To overcome possible EHL limitations under such conditions, the present work presents a unified thermal plasto-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TPEHL) model for circular contact with real surface roughness capable to simulate the different lubrication regimes. Among the main characteristics of the proposed model, one should mention the minimal implementation changes in standard EHL models; there is no need for a preliminary assessment to verify whether thermal and plastic effects are negligible (or not) since these effects will naturally take place in the simulations; and good agreement between the predictions using the model and the experimental measurements.