Calculation of Stribeck curves for line contacts

A mixed lubrication model is presented by which Stribeck curves can be calculated. By means of the Stribeck curve the transitions from boundary lubrication to mixed lubrication and the transitions from mixed lubrication to elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication can be predicted and subsequently the lubrication regime in which a particular contact operates can be predicted. Calculations are restricted to line contacts, because of the wide range of applications of line contacts or of very wide elliptical contacts.