The effect of transient motion on Isoviscous-EHL films in compliant, point, contacts

Laser induced fluorescence was employed to measure lubricant film thickness in a compliant, point, contact during transient motion. Two types of transient sliding motion were investigated: start-up and sudden halting. The effects of acceleration rate and sliding speed on film formation and breakdown were studied. A clear relationship between start-up acceleration and the period of the film formation phase was observed. During sudden halting motion entrapment of fluid occurred in the centre of the contact. This trapped fluid was squeezed out of the contact over several seconds. The size of this entrapment was dependent on the initial sliding speed. The findings are compared to similar results for hard, point, contacts and the implications discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.