Visualization Technology of Oil and Gas Film Behavior under Fluid Lubrication

Abstract

This article describes visualization technology of oil and gas film behavior under fluid lubrication. So far, many researchers have been studying visualization regarding fluid film lubrication using LIF method, optical interferometry, and so on. However, the visualization method of the PIV, and a quite new type of method utilizing photochromism are recently studied. The authors have many cases in which visualization has led to discoveries and understanding of phenomena in their past research. Therefore, in this article, we will describe the visualization of oil film around the EHL contact area of a traction drive, visualization of fluid lubricant film flow in a mechanical seal, and visualization of oil film flow around a piston ring using photochromism.