An average flow model of rough surface lubrication with inter-asperity cavitation

An average Reynolds equation capable of predicting the effects of roughness induced inter-asperity cavitation is introduced. The average Reynolds equa tion is based on the JFO cavitation model and the Patir and Cheng flow fact or method The flow factors are calculated in numerical experiments as funct ions of the local surface separation surface statistics, and cavitation num ber. The model is extended into a universal average Reynolds equation capab le of predicting the combined effects of inter-asperity cavitation and macr oscopic cavitation. Both the Patir and Cheng method and the present model a re verified in numerical experiments.