The elastohydrodynamic traction of synthetic base oil blends

The aim of this study was to investigate the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) prope rties of lubricant blends. Three base fluids of very similar viscosities, a polyalphaolefin, a diester and an alkylated aromatic, have been obtained a nd their EHD film thickness and traction behavior measured at a range of pr essures. Blends of these fluids have been prepared and the influence of ble nding on film thickness and traction has been investigated. Traction measur ements were conducted at film thicknesses between 100 - 200 nm and thermal analysis was incorporated to correct for in-con tact shear heating. The ble nds showed a broadly linear relation ship between the inlet pressure-viscos ity coefficient and blend composition. Isothermal traction comparisons reve aled that traction is not an additive property of lubricant blends.