On the thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication in opposite sliding circular contacts

Cases of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) point contacts running under opposite sliding conditions have been studied with consideration of the thermal effect for various loads and entrainment velocities. A thermal EHL solver has been developed and proven to be able to deal even with extreme cases under an infinite slide–roll ratio. Results show that film profiles featuring a dimple can be formed in the contact zone when the slide–roll ratio exceeds a certain level. Moreover, the present study provides theoretical evidence for the lubricating film build up in the case where the two bounding surfaces run with equal but opposite velocities. An effective lubricating film under zero entrainment speeds was experimentally proven by Dyson and Wilson [1] (Proc Instn Mech Engrs, 1968–1969 183(3P) 81) in the 1960ʹs, which, however, cannot be explained by the isothermal EHL theory.