FELINE: Finite element solver for hydrodynamic lubrication problems using the inexact Newton method

Abstract

In this work we present FELINE, a C++ solver of the Reynolds equation for treating hydrodynamic lubrication problems. To correctly describe cavitation regions, FELINE implements the inexact Newton iteration (INE) algorithm within a finite element method (FEM) framework. The solver was tested and validated against known cases in literature and industrially relevant cases of dimpled textures. Furthermore, we provide a benchmark for a complex dimpled texture case to evaluate the performance and robustness of the implementation. FELINE performs very fast when compared with existing implementations and shows a great degree of stability, while providing physically correct solutions thanks to the INE algorithm. Program summaryProgram title: FELINECPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/srkpysb727.1Licensing provisions: Creative Commons by 4.0Programming language: C++Nature of problem: A fast Reynolds equation solver robust enough to correctly solve the linear complementarity problems that arise from proper treatment of the cavitation boundaries.Solution method: An inexact Newton iteration method implemented within a finite element method framework that properly ensures the complementarity conditions are satisfied by introducing a forcing term.