A cavitation algorithm for arbitrary lubricant compressibility

A general cavitation algorithm that accommodates for an arbitrary density–pressure relation is presented. It is now possible to model the compressibility of the lubricant in such a way that the density–pressure relation is realistic throughout the contact. The algorithm preserves mass continuity for cavitation caused by bearing geometry and surface topography. It is a commonly accepted physical assumption that the contribution of the pressure driven flow is negligible in the cavitated region. This phenomenon is adopted in the present algorithm, which is similar to that of Elrod, and is modeled by a switch function that terminates the pressure gradient at the cavitation regions. Results with this algorithm for different density–pressure relations are presented and discussed. The effects of inlet conditions, such as surface roughness and starvation, on the load carrying capacity of the contact are analyzed.