A Model for Determining the Asperity Engagement Height in Relation to Web Traction Over Non-Vented Rollers

Abstract

The traction developed between a thin flexible web, wrapped around a non-vented, rotating cylindrical roller is studied experimentally and theoretically. A series of eight webs representing a wide range of surface roughness characteristics are traction-tested against the same roller over a wide speed range. A mathematical model that couples air film pressure, web deflection, and asperity deformations is used to model the web/roller interface. An optimization technique is used to estimate the asperity compliance function parameters based on the experimental results and the mathematical model. A new model for determining the asperity engagement height, for surfaces with non-Gaussian peak height distribution, is proposed when the roughness of both surfaces is taken into account. Results are presented that indicate the viability and utility of the new methods.