Numerical Point Contact Model of Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication for Transversely Isotropic Coating

Transverse isotropy, a typical property of coating providing protection or lubrication for transmission parts, is different from isotropy focused in most of previous research, catching increasing attention in recent years. This study aims to make the lubricating contact behavior of transversely isotropic coating under different working conditions better understood, with the assistance of a proposed mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model for a rigid ball in contact with transversely isotropic coating. Explicit analytical expressions of frequency response functions (FRFs) of the elastic field for transversely isotropic coating were derived, which could be used to work out surface/subsurface displacement and stress if surface pressure is known. The proposed EHL model for transversely isotropic coating was verified by comparing the film thickness and pressure distribution with those from literature by an uncoated model. Furthermore, the effects of coating elastic property, coating thickness, velocity, and load on lubrication performance and mechanical responses are investigated. In addition, the results under different coating parameters are also compared and discussed with those obtained by the Hamrock-Dowson equations to demonstrate the effectiveness of the latter. This investigation may provide a potential application for coating optimal design considering lubrication.