Elastic deformation in thin film hydrodynamic lubrication

An elastohydrodynamic numerical simulation is conducted for one-dimensional fixed slider plane bearings. The numerical model takes into account the piezoviscous effect of the lubricant and elastic deformation of the bounding surfaces to solve the one-dimensional Reynolds equation. It is found that a small elastic deformation of less than 100 nm plays an important role in load capacity in thin film hydrodynamic lubrication. As the film thickness decreases, a flat film shape appears from the leading side of the contact area. The expansion of the flat film thickness over the contact area leads to considerably lower load capacity.

► An elastohydrodynamic simulation for fixed slider bearings in thin film is conducted.
► Elastic deformation less than 100 nm is important for the thin film formation.
► The elastic deformation produces a flat film shape in the inlet.
► Such a film shape reduces significantly the load capacity.
► The small elastic deformation is remained even when high rigidity surfaces are used.