A Numerical Solution of the Elasto-Hydrodynamic Film Thickness in an Elliptical Contact

摘要

A numerical solution of the elastohydrodynamic film thickness in an elliptical contact is developed. The three dimensional Reynolds equation in the inlet region is solved by a finite difference method. The deformation contour in the inlet region is calculated according to the classical Hertz theory for elliptical contacts. Results are presented as side leakage film reduction factors, which are defined as the ratios of the film thickness of the finite contact to that calculated by a line contact theory based on the same maximum Hertz stress. The results obtained for b/a approaches infinity, which corresponds to a line contact, and for b/a = 1, which corresponds to a circular contact, agree with others. Comparison with experimental data indicates that the theory in the report predicts a film thickness slightly higher than those measured by the experiment. (Author)