Past, present and future studies in elastohydrodynamics

Abstract

The development of understanding of the phenomenon of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) throughout the twentieth century is reviewed. The development of solutions for both line and point contacts is considered for both fully flooded and starved conditions. Particular attention is given to the introduction of non-Newtonian rheological models and numerical methods. Progress in the analysis of impact and general non-steady-state conditions is reviewed, together with the consideration of rough surface and micro-EHL. Attention is drawn to the need to consider realistic models of real surfaces and real fluids in future studies.