Simplified analysis of non-Newtonian effects in a circular elastohydrodynamic contact and comparison with experiment

The paper describes a simplified non-Newtonian numerical model of an elasto hydrodynamic point contact. it is based on the control volume flow continui ty technique described by Holt et al. (9). Observation of the shear stress values produced in the solutions to the problem obtained by Holt has led to the consideration of a simplifying approximation in the non-Newtonian form ulation for calculation of flow rates in which the resultant shear stress i s approximated by the shear stress in the predominant direction of sliding. This assumption gives easily calculated expressions for the flow rates. Th e simplification leads to direct evaluations of the surface shear stress co mponents without recourse to an iterative solution of simultaneous transcen dental equations. Results of the simplified model are found to agree with t he more exact treatment of Holt et al. under realistic operating conditions . A thermal treatment of the oil film for sliding contacts is also included . Experimental measurements of film thickness in contacts with varying degr ees of sliding have been carried out which show good agreement with the sim plified theory.