Elastohydrodynamic Friction Research Articles

Revision of a Fundamental Assumption in the Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Theory and Friction in Heavily Loaded Line Contacts With Notable Sliding

An analysis of the classic friction modeling in lubricated contacts is conducted. Its major deficiency for soft materials (low-elastic moduli) leading to significant overstating of friction in heavily loaded isothermal and thermal lubricated contacts is revealed. An improved model of friction in a heavily loaded lubricated contact is proposed. The model is based on incorporating the tangential displacements of the solid surfaces in contact, leading to a significant reduction of the frictional stress due to the decrease of the actual sliding of lubricated surfaces. Generally, this frictional stress reduction increases with the slide-to-roll ratio, and it is extremely important for high slide-to-roll ratios for which classic approaches lead to unrealistically overestimated values of frictional stresses. The high slide-to-roll ratio values can be found in many practical applications, such as clutches. Several examples of the frictional stress calculated based on this model as well as the comparison with the classical results are given for the case of smooth solid surfaces and lubricants with Newtonian rheology. Also, the results allow to take a look at the role and the necessity of considering thermal and lubricant non-Newtonian effects on solution of various EHL problems for such heavily loaded contacts.

Reply to the Comment by Scott Bair, Philippe Vergne, Punit Kumar, Gerhard Poll, Ivan Krupka, Martin Hartl, Wassim Habchi, Roland Larson on “History, Origins and Prediction of Elastohydrodynamic Friction” by Spikes and Jie in Tribology Letters

Bair, accompanied by some of his past co-authors, has commented on our paper “History, Origins and Prediction of Elastohydrodynamic Friction”. We believe that our paper presents a balanced summary of current understanding of EHD friction, its origins and prediction. However, Bair et al. appear to have chosen to interpret our paper as an assault on the high-stress viscometric approach that Bair has championed for some years and also as an espousal of the Eyring model of rheology which he has consistently denigrated over the same period. To combat this perceived assault, they suggest that our paper somehow misrepresents the literature and indeed contains numerous misstatements of fact and misrepresentations by omission. Our reply refutes this.

Comment on “History, Origins and Prediction of Elastohydrodynamic Friction” by Spikes and Jie

Progress in the classical field of EHL has for decades been paralyzed by the assumption that shear thinning should be indistinguishable from the shear dependence of the viscosity of a liquid heated by viscous dissipation and that the parameters of this simple shear dependence can be obtained from the shape of a friction curve. In the last few years, by abandoning this assumption and employing real viscosity measured with viscometers, there has been revolutionary progress in predicting film thickness and friction. Now, Spikes and Jie conclude that the previous assumption has as much merit as the use of viscosity measured in viscometers. This suggestion may be popular among those who wish to ignore viscometer measurements in favor of extracting properties from friction curves. However, within the subject article, there are numerous misstatements of fact and misrepresentations by omission, and the recent progress using real viscosity is not acknowledged. The debate has degenerated into a friction curve fitting competition which is not helpful. The great progress of the last few years would not have been possible using the concepts and methods espoused in this article.

Low-velocity super-lubrication of sodium-alginate/polyacrylamide ionic-covalent hybrid double-network hydrogels.

Structural and frictional behaviours of sodium alginate (SA)/polyacrylamide (PAAm) ionic-covalent hybrid, sequential double-network (DN) hydrogels against glass have been investigated in water, NaCl and CaCl2 aqueous solutions using a rotational rheometer. Dilution of adsorptive elastohydrodynamic friction for the PAAm covalent network with repulsive hydrodynamic lubrication for the minor SA ionic network was found to control the frictional stresses of the SA/PAAm gels within between those of the SA and PAAm single-network gels. A tentative qualitative model was proposed to describe the impact of ionic environmental solution on the frictional behaviour of the hybrid gel by selectively affecting the SA-network structure and friction. It was revealed that strong Debye shielding in the NaCl solution significantly reduced the thickness of the electric double layer for hydrodynamic lubrication of the SA network, which made the SA/PAAm gel's friction the highest among the three solutions. Dramatically increased ionic cross-linking of the SA network in the CaCl2 solution, although effectively mediated by the PAAm-network flexible skeleton, still functioned partially to conserve a portion of the SA fractional boundary-friction at the interface, making the friction of the hybrid gel intermediate among the three solutions. In contrast, extreme hydration of the SA network in water sharply increased the volume fraction of its unshielded hydrodynamic lubrication at the interface, which greatly reduced the SA/PAAm's friction to the lowest among the three solutions. We have thus incorporated for the first time both super-lubrication (frictional coefficients of below 10(-2) over low sliding-velocities of 3 × 10(-5) to 2 × 10(-3) m s(-1)) and previously reported high fracture energy (over 9000 J m(-2)) into a single ionic-covalent hybrid DN hydrogel, which is the SA/PAAm (∼1/8.5 w/w) gel in water. Effects of inversion of DN-formation sequence further indicated that frictional behaviours (i.e. frictional stress-sliding velocity profiles) of the hybrid sequential DN hydrogels (SA/PAAm and PAAm/SA), respectively, were primarily determined by those of the second networks (PAAm and SA), presumably due to the formation of first-second network "core-shell" structures at the blob scale. Frictional stress of the SA/PAAm gel was increased monotonically with external normal pressure at all of the sliding velocities investigated in the three solutions, which was in agreement with the predictions from the repulsion-adsorption model proposed by Gong et al.

History, Origins and Prediction of Elastohydrodynamic Friction

There is currently considerable debate concerning the most appropriate rheological model to describe the behaviour of lubricant films in rolling–sliding, elastohydrodynamic contacts. This is an important issue since an accurate model is required to predict friction in such contacts. This paper reviews the origins of this debate, which primarily concerns a divergence of views between researchers using high pressure, high shear rate viscometry and those concerned with the measurement and analysis of elastohydrodynamic friction; the former advocate a Carreau-based shear stress/strain rate model while the latter generally favour an Eyring-based one. The crucial importance of accounting for shear heating effects in analysing both viscometric and friction data is discussed. The main criticisms levied by advocates of a Carreau-based model against Eyring’s model are discussed in some detail. Finally, the ability of both types of rheological model to fit elastohydrodynamic friction measurements for a quite simple, well-defined base fluid is tested, using previously measured pressure–viscosity behaviour for the fluid. Both models appear to fit the experimental data over a wide temperature range quite well, though fit of the Eyring model appears slightly closer than that of the Carreau–Yasuda model. Friction data from a wider range of well-defined fluid types are needed to identify categorically the most appropriate model to describe elastohydrodynamic friction.

Mathematical modeling of piston movement in a cylinder

The article proposes a mathematical model of the dynamics of piston movement in a cylinder in a layer of grease. The basic equations of the piston movement, the equations describing the problem of elastohydrodynamic friction of the piston skirt in a cylinder, and the algorithm of their simultaneous solution are considered.

Influence of Lubricant Properties on ARKL Temperature Rise and Transmission Efficiency

It has been suggested in the literature that the ability of a lubricant to produce low “end of test temperature” (EOTT) in the achsialrillenkugellager (ARKL)—that is, axial groove ball bearing—thrust bearing test is an indicator of its likely efficiency in vehicle transmissions. Based on this, the current study has used regression analysis to correlate the ARKL EOTT with a range of physical and friction properties of a set of 26 lubricants. The latter have been selected to span a wide variety of base oil and additives types. It has been found that the most important lubricant property in determining ARKL EOTT is the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) friction or traction coefficient at low slide–roll ratio. Lubricants with low EHD friction were found to give low EOTT. Two lubricant properties of secondary importance have been identified. One is the lubricant viscosity index (VI), where a high VI contributes to high EOTT. The second is the heat transfer capability of the fluid, where a high capability was found to correlate with lower EOTT. The findings help clarify how low EOTT in the ARKL test can be achieved via lubricant composition. If the correlation between ARKL and transmissions that has been suggested in the literature is valid, then these findings are transferable to the design of high efficiency transmission lubricants.

Energy Efficient Siloxane Lubricants Utilizing Temporary Shear-Thinning

This study investigates the rheologic properties, elastohydrodynamic film, and friction coefficients of several siloxane-based lubricants to assess their shear stability and their potential for energy efficient lubrication. Several siloxane-based polymers with alkyl, aryl, and alkyl-aryl branches were synthesized in order to examine the relationship between their molecular structures and tribological performance. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography were used to characterize the molecular structures and masses, respectively. Density, viscosity, elastohydrodynamic film thickness, and friction measurements were measured from 303 to 398 K. Film thickness and friction measurements were made at loads and speeds that cover the boundary, mixed, and full film lubrication regimes. These results illustrate that the shear characteristics of siloxane lubricants vary significantly with polymer length as well as branch structure and content. The findings provide quantitative insight into the features of siloxane molecular structure conducive to optimum film formation with minimum wear and elastohydrodynamic friction to enhance energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency optimization of engine by frictional reduction of functional surfaces of cylinder ring–pack system

Friction reduction, lower oil consumption, and limitation of greenhouse gases emissions are the chief objectives of the automotive industry in order to improve the environmental efficiency of vehicle engines.In this paper, a strategy for ring–pack friction reduction through cylinder liner finish optimization based on coupling instrumented honing experiments and numerical prediction of elastohydrodynamic friction is proposed.The results show that honed surfaces produced by fine abrasion by honing stones yield the optimal elastohydrodynamic friction. They also demonstrate the limitations of ISO 13565 standard roughness parameters in giving a complete description of the functional performances of cylinder surface finishes.

Reduction in axle oil operating temperatures by fluids with optimized torque transfer efficiencies

Effective axle oils must efficiently transfer torque from the drive-train to the wheels, while maintaining low axle oil operating temperatures. Previous studies have shown that fluids, which form thicker elastohydrodynamic (EHD) films and have lower EHD friction, have higher torque transfer efficiencies (TE) and lower axle oil operating temperatures (OT). In general, oils with higher viscosities form thicker films and those with lower viscosities have lower EHD friction. Therefore, optimizing oil's rheological properties to maximize TE and minimize OT is difficult. In this paper, we examine two approaches to maintaining high TE while reducing OT. One approach is to minimize boundary friction since previous studies have shown that the boundary frictional properties of oils influence OT and not TE. A second approach is to more thoroughly examine the effect of rheology on film thickness and EHD friction. Film thickness and EHD friction are related to the high temperature high shear viscosity and pressure-viscosity coefficient of oils. We have found that oils with high pressureviscosity coefficients and low high temperature high shear viscosities will form thick films and have low EHD friction. This optimized combination of physical parameters, along with lowering the boundary friction coefficient of axle oils, results in oils with high TE and low OT. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Measurement of the Rheology of Lubricant Films Within Elastohydrodynamic Contacts

There is growing need for a reliable model of the rheological response of lubricants in elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contacts, not only to predict behaviour in full-film EHD conditions, but also for use in modelling mixed-film lubrication. One barrier to developing such a model is that measurements of friction actually represent averaged values over the whole, lubricated contact under study. However the fluid film conditions of temperature, pressure and strain rate generally vary over such contacts, which makes it difficult to determine constitutive shear-stress equations from friction measurements. This paper examines the various different techniques used to study the origins of EHD friction and the underlying film rheology. It then describes and applies a technique for obtaining the temperature rise maps of both solid surfaces in a rolling-sliding EHD contacts and thus shear-stress and friction maps. The work shows that the shear stress of the traction fluid studied increases approximately linearly with pressure and decreases approximately linearly with temperature in the high-pressure central region of EHD contacts.

The Elastohydrodynamic Friction and Film Forming Properties of Lubricant Base Oils

The stringent and often competing requirements of high fuel economy and low emissions are placing increasing emphasis on the selection of appropriate base oils for modem engine lubricants. Two properties now recognized as important in engine oil design are the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) traction coefficient and the pressure-viscosity coefficient. The former determines the level of friction in high pressure contacts such as cams, while the latter plays a major role in determining the EHD film thickness. Unfortunately, for many fluids there is a broad correlation between the two properties so that a low traction coefficient implies a low pressure viscosity coefficient and thus film thickness. This paper measures the traction and film-forming properties of a wide range of base oil types at realistic engine oil temperatures in order to both explore the extent of this correlation and to determine the dependence of EHD lubricant properties on base oil compositions. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the World Tribology Congress in London, United Kingdom, September 8–12, 1997

The Lubricity of Gasoline

A study has been made of the lubricating properties of gasoline fuel. A conventional HFRR diesel fuel lubricity tester has been modified to measure gasoline wear. Using this test equipment, a number of features of gasoline lubricity have been investigated, including the comparative lubricating behavior of gasoline, the influence of detergent additives and oxygenates on wear and the wear behavior of a series of refinery streams employed in gasoline blending. The lubricity of a range of pure organic chemicals known to be present in gasoline has also been studied. From these measurements it has been shown that, except for components such as dienes and diaromatics, the HFRR lubricating properties of most gasoline hydrocarbon constituents are broadly independent of chemical structure bur depend significantly on viscosity. Using these measurements, predictive wear equations based on gasoline group analysis have been developed. Because it has been found that viscosity plays a role in determining the wear properties of gasoline, the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) film-forming and friction properties of gasoline have been measured and compared to those of diesel fuels. This shows that the combination of gasoline's very low viscosity and low pressure-viscosity coefficient results in very thin EHD film thickness generation and also very low friction in full-film EHD conditions. Presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan May 17–21, 1998

Modeling of Dynamic Friction in Lubricated Line Contacts for Precise Motion Control

A simple dynamic friction model for an elastohydrodynamic lubrication sliding and rolling line contact has been developed. This model uses the technique introduced earlier by Harnoy and Friedland (1). The model includes low-velocity regions where friction is a combination of contact and elastohydrodynamic friction. The study shows that the lime-variable friction is not only a function of instantaneous sliding velocity, but is also a memory function of the velocity history. Simulation of the model for an oscillating velocity exhibits similar hysteresis effects in friction-velocity curves as observed earlier in several experimental studies. The model can be useful for friction compensation to enhance the precision of motion in control systems. Presented at the 50th Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois May 14–19, 1995

The measurement of elastohydrodynamic friction forces

This paper describes an experimental measurement technique to record the sideforce required to dislodge an elastohydrodynamic lubricant film formed between a rubber pad and a rigid flat surface during normal approach. The friction force recorded is for the most part somewhat less than one-tenth of 1% of the normal load, corresponding to coefficients of friction ranging from 0.0003 to 0.00125. Because of these extremely low values of sideforce, a great deal of precision is required in isolating the friction force from components of the normal load, and the experimental apparatus is therefore relatively complex. The results indicate that for the same value of edge film thickness, the force required to dislodge an elastohydrodynamic film may be considerably less than that measured between rigid surfaces, particularly during the last stages of approach. The resistance of the approach surface to side displacement during the formation or collapse of an elastohydrodynamic film has particular relevance to the rolling behaviour of tyre tread elements on a wet road surface.