ISOTHERMAL ELASTOHYDRODYNAMIC LUBRICATION OF ELLIPTIC CONTACTS

In this study, a new procedure for the numerical solution of isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) problem is outlined. Investigations are carried out numerically for the elastohydrodynamic lubrication problem in the rolling element bearings which have got elliptic contacts. The Reynolds and the film thickness equations for the elliptic contacts are rearranged. In the elasticity analysis the domain is divided into uniform sized rectangular grids. The non-dimensional pressure and film thickness are obtained for an elliptic contact. Investigations show that the minimum film thickness, the central film thickness and the elastic deformations increase as the rotational speed increases. Minimum film thickness occurs near the outlet of the contact.