Numerical modeling of elastohydrodynamic lubrication of line contact lubricated with micropolar fluid

Abstract

This paper presents numerical investigation on elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) of line contacts lubricated with micropolar fluids. Numerical model of EHL line contact has been developed by coupled solution of Reynolds equation, elastic deformation equation, load balance equation and fluid rheology equation from inlet to the outlet region. This system of equations has been solved using finite element method techniques. The influence of micropolar fluid parameters and operating parameter on the performances EHL line contacts has been investigated. Further, a comparative assessment on the micropolar and Newtonian fluid-lubricated contact has been presented. It has been observed that the use of micropolar fluid parameters enhances the values of minimum and central fluid film thickness and contact pressure within the EHL line contacts. The empirical formulae for minimum $$\left( {\bar{H}_{\hbox{min} } } \right)$$ and central $$\left( {\bar{H}_{\text{cent}} } \right)$$ fluid film thickness are formulated based on the numerically simulated results. The study reveals that overall performances of EHL line contacts increases significantly with micropolar fluid parameter. Further, it has been observed due to micropolar lubricant in EHL line contacts, chances of metal-to-metal contact reduces.