Cavitation and film formation in hydrodynamically lubricated parallel sliders

Cavitation influences the pressure distribution in hydrodynamically lubricated contacts and therefore also the load carrying capacity. Film formation in parallel sliders is investigated experimentally and numerically by focusing on its relationship with cavitation. Cavitation is observed and film thickness measurements are con-ducted on a structured rectangular face seal by using the laser induced fluorescence method. Hydrodynamic film formation is modeled based on cavitation by implementing a JFO cavitation model with a mass conservative Fischer-Burmeister-Newton algorithm. The numerical results are validated via the experiments. Influences of structuring, macro surface irregularities, and cavitation pressure are investigated.

Automated summary

This study combines experimental and numerical simulation methods to observe cavitation and measure film thickness using laser induced fluorescence, and establishes a model for hydrodynamic film formation based on cavitation. The influences of structuring, macro surface irregularities, and cavitation pressure are investigated. Validation of numerical results is done through experiments.