Application of partial elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis in dynamic wear study for running-in

Lubrication and wear are usually studied as separate issues. However, the effects of lubrication and wear can be interrelated in highly stressed contacts that are running under partial (or micro) elastohydrodynamic lubrication, especially during the running-in stage of operations. The incorporation of lubrication numerical analysis into the dynamic wear study of running-in contacts under partial elastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) is presented. Results from PEHL numerical analyses, based on surface data that was obtained at various intervals during a running-in experiment, clearly indicate the change in the severity of contact surface wear. A simple system for dynamic wear prediction in run-in contacts under PEHL conditions, that includes consideration of lubrication effects, is proposed. The approach demonstrates the incorporation of PEHL analyses into the calculation of wear, and also shows the interrelation of surface roughness, lubrication condition and wear rate for running-in PEHL contacts. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.