Abstract
This paper presents a multiscale finite element method applied to the simulation of a lubricating film flowing between rough surfaces. The objective of this approach is to study flows between large rough surfaces needing very fine meshes while maintaining a reasonable computation time. For this purpose, the domain is split into a number of subdomains (bottom-scale meshes) connected by a coarse mesh (top-scale). The pressure distribution at the top-scale is used as boundary conditions for the bottom-scale problems. This pressure is adjusted to ensure global mass flow balance between the contiguous subdomains. This multiscale method allows for a significant reduction of the number of operations as well as a satisfactory accuracy of the results if the top-scale mesh is properly fitted to the roughness lateral scale. Furthermore the present method is well-suited to parallel computation, leading to much more significant computation time reduction.
Highlights
IntroductionThe lubrication regime between surfaces in relative motion is controlled by the duty parameter μVL
The lubrication regime between surfaces in relative motion is controlled by the duty parameter μVLG = W, where μ is the lubricant viscosity, V the sliding speed, L the contact length and W the applied load [1]
A multiscale finite element solution of the Reynolds equation was presented with the aim of studying the fluid flow between rough surfaces demanding very fine meshes
Summary
The lubrication regime between surfaces in relative motion is controlled by the duty parameter μVL. G = W , where μ is the lubricant viscosity, V the sliding speed, L the contact length and W the applied load [1]. When G is reduced, the friction decreases until asperity contact occurs and mixed lubrication begins. Reducing the viscosity of lubricants is a common solution used to decrease friction losses in engines [2] or other applications [3]. The decrease in μ leads to a reduction of G and of the thickness of the fluid film between the surfaces. The mixed lubrication tends to become the standard lubrication regime. It is of importance to have tools able to simulate this lubrication regime in a reasonable computation time and with sufficient accuracy
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