Experimental observation of a dimple-wedge elastohydrodynamic lubricating film

One of the main features of typical elastohydrodynamic lubricating (EHL) contacts is the unique horseshoe film shape, which can be readily observed by using interferometry and quite accurately modelled by the well-established EHL theory. However, an anomalous EHL film, characterized by a wedge shape together with a tiny dimple at the inlet region, is observed under pure sliding conditions with ultra slow speeds of 3-800 μm/s in an optical EHL test rig. The variations of the wedge and the inlet dimple with different sliding speeds and loads are investigated using a series of polybutene oils of high viscosities. It is found that the inclination of the wedge is dependent on sliding speeds, loads and oil viscosities. The dimple always occurs at the inlet. The appearance of an inlet dimple together with a wedge film shape is reported for the first time. The phenomenon can be attributed to a non-Newtonian characteristic of the lubricant: The limiting shear strength. Additionally, the influence of starvation on the film shape is also examined. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.