The Outlet of Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubricated Line Contacts
Abstract
The exit area of hydrodynamic and elasto-hydrodynamic (EHD) contacts is studied by showing the evolution of the meniscus abscissa as a function of the capillary number (representing relative viscous effects versus surface tension effects). Sliding and rolling kinematics conditions are also investigated, by studying their effects on liquid distribution and on the variations of the minimum film thickness. For example, viscosity evolution through the film thickness is shown in Figure 1, with the liquid distribution at the exit of an EHD contact.