The role of micro-cavitation on EHL: A study using a multiscale mass conserving approach

The role of micro-cavitation in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication is numerically investigated using a multiscale approach whereby both the small scale topographical features and the micro-cavitation of the lubricant due to the features are resolved. Micro-cavitation and the fluid׳s shear-thinning property are modelled at the small scale of topological feature. The effects of topographical features on the film thickness of the line contact bearings and friction coefficient are presented with a focus on the role of micro-cavitation. This highlights how a mass conserving small scale model can be used to model both micro-cavitation and cavitation occurring at the bearing scale, and how topological features can be designed to reduce friction while maintaining bearing load.