Numerical and Interferometric Analysis of Oil Film Thickness in Starved EHL Condition

Abstract

Regression formulas, which predict the variation of the starvation factor and meniscus distance with the inlet film thickness in starved EHL condition, are obtained by numerical analysis incorporated with Elrod's cavitation algorithm. In order to verify these regression formulas, an interferometric measurement apparatus, which can observe the starved film thickness by successive ball passing, is developed. From observation results by this apparatus, the regression formula for the central and minimum film thickness can fairly predict the variation of the starvation. However regression formulas for the meniscus distances do not agree with observed results. Especially in slightly starved condition, there exists large difference between both.