Influences of Boundary Slip Coating on Elastohydrodynamically Lubricated Contacts

Recent research has identified the novel lubrication scheme brought by boundary slip effect in lubrication. However, the implementation of an endurable slip coating on elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is challenging. One plausible solution is to mount a slip surface coating onto a substrate with an interlayer, forming a multi-layer structure. This study presents a robust framework for analysing the effects of the thickness and strength of the coating and interlayer. A general algorithm for investigating the mechanics of boundary slip EHL contact that utilises a linear elasticity equation is developed. Besides the influence of boundary slip on the lubrication film, the effect on the mechanical response of the contacting bodies is emphasised.