A numerical model for mixed lubrication taking into account surface topography, tangential adhesion effects and plastic deformations

The present paper focuses on numerical investigations of mixed lubrication phenomena. Generally minimized for sliding systems, this type of lubricated contact is essential to ensure the original basic function of a lubricated friction system. As analyses of such a contact are hardly possible with experimental facilities, the finite element method was chosen to model the occurring friction phenomena at the micro-scale. A three-dimensional model is implemented considering two lubricated real rough bodies, Bowden and Tabor adhesion model and heat generation occurring in the solid–solid contact. Present analysis gives an overview on how surface roughness and machining direction influence the friction behavior as well as the contact and fluid pressure fields in mixed lubricated systems. First results are in accordance with the literature but therefore require the use of a statistical approach to deliver quantitative results in adequation with real systems.