Starved elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory: application to emulsions and greases

In classical fluid lubrication the film thickness is mainly determined by e ntrainment velocity and oil viscosity. At high pressure, elastic deformatio n occurs changing the local geometry: this is the elastohydrodynamic lubric ation regime (EHL). When a limited amount of lubricant is available to the contact, a component failure due to lubricant starvation can result. A new starvation model is presented, using the amount of oil on the surfaces as t he key parameter controlling starvation. It is successfully applied to desc ribe the contacts lubricated with multi-phase fluids such as emulsions and greases, which combine starvation with a very complex rheology. (C) 2001 Ac ademie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS