Effects of distribution density and location of subsurface particles on elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Reducing friction and wear in contact pairs is a formidable challenge in engineering applications. In this study, the influence of different particle distribution parameters on the flow field for elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) friction pairs is analyzed using a multigrid method. In particular, the effects of the particle distribution density and location on the tribological properties are examined. A general Reynolds equation for an arbitrary non-Newtonian fluid is used to account for the non-Newtonian properties in the contact area. An inclusion-EHL model is established by coupling the flow field with the elastic field of heterogeneous particles below the contact surface, which are subject to eigenstrains. The results illustrate that the distribution density of the particles causes fluctuations in the film pressure and thickness and that the spacing ratio and position of the symmetry center have serious effects on the traction force. It is also found that the traction force can be effectively reduced by using a reasonable set of particle distribution parameters.