Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Elliptical Contacts with Spin and Rolling

Abstract

Studies of elastohydrodynamic lubrication of point contacts have been undertaken since the early 1970s. Nearly all the investigations reported have been concerned with surface motions of rolling and/or sliding and little work has been reported on the common engineering problem of elastohydrodynamic lubrication with spin and rolling. This kinematic condition is found in angular contact bearings and variable-speed traction drive systems. The theoretical investigation described in this paper is therefore concerned with the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of non-conformal point contacts with both rolling/sliding (potentially) and spin. The study provides an indication of the importance of the superimposed spinning motion upon the rolling and sliding motions in the lubricated conjunctions. The results presented cover not only typical ratios of spin/rolling velocities but much higher values not encountered in the machine elements mentioned.