Numerical investigation of effects on replenishment in rolling point contacts using CFD simulations

A lubricating film prevents a rolling bearing from high friction and wear by separating the contacting surfaces. In grease lubricated contacts the bled oil induces a hydrodynamic film formation. At high rolling speeds, more bled oil is displaced than replenished, which leads to lubricant starvation. To predict the film formation under starvation, the lubricant supply by replenishment must be determined. However, the effects on oil replenishment are not fully clarified. In particular, the effects of oil wettability as well as the available bled oil amount on the replenishment are not sufficiently investigated. Therefore, in this contribution the oil flow around a rolling point contact is examined under limited oil volume and in dependence of oil wettability, using CFD simulations.

Automated summary

This study examines the oil flow around a rolling point contact under limited oil volume and in dependence of oil wettability using CFD simulations. The effects of lubricant starvation at high rolling speeds are investigated, focusing on the replenishment of oil.