Homogenization coefficients for modeling the partial and full-film lubrication regimes

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 197; p. 109801
• Main Authors: Pattnayak, M.R., Arghir, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Artificial surface generation; Contact theory with inter-asperity interactions; Homogenization method; Mixed-lubrication modeling; Patir and Cheng’s flow factors; ACF; Artificial surface generation; FSBN; Mixed-lubrication modeling; Homogenization method; HDF; Patir and Cheng’s flow factors; FVM; Contact theory with inter-asperity interactions
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109801

Most mechanical systems have mating interfaces that require effective lubrication for smooth functioning. Thus, understanding and accurately modeling lubrication regimes is an essential research task. The present work proposes a set of normalized coefficients based on homogenization and stochastic theories to model the partial and full-film lubrication regimes between a smooth and a rough surface. The modified Greenwood and Williamson theory, considering inter-asperity-interactions, was used to model the contact-zones. Subsequently, the film-thickness was evaluated and the homogenized Reynolds equations were solved to compute the normalized coefficients. The estimated coefficients were compared with Patir and Cheng’s flow-factors, and the similarities and disagreements between both approaches were discussed. New sets of coefficients for running-in surfaces were proposed for modeling their lubrication regimes. •Normalized homogenization coefficients are evaluated based on stochastic analysis.•Inter-asperity interactions have been considered to model the solid contacts.•New sets of homogenization coefficients for running-in surfaces are proposed.