Author(s)

Q. Yu & T.G. Keith, Jr

Abstract

In this paper, a modified Elrod equation is developed from the generalized Reynolds equation with JFO boundary conditions. The modified governing equation incorporates effects of the surface layer thickness and viscosity. A boundary element cavitation algorithm that accounts for the effect of the surface layer is proposed for thin film lubrication. A parabolic slider bearing is analyzed. The effects of the thickness and viscosity of the surface layer on cavitation are investigated. The numerical results are compared with those obtained without considering the effect of the surface layer. 1 Introduction In conditions when the sliding speed of a surface is small and the fluid film is extremely thin, the viscosity of the surface layer is increased by many orders of magnitude. Under these conditi

Keywords