Numerical analysis of lubricated point contacts using the Finite Area Method

Abstract

Validation of a contact model which is sensitive to the elastoplastic deformation of asperities and rheological changes to the lubricant properties is presented. The contact model was derived using a two-dimensional variant of the Finite Volume Method, the Finite Area Method, and was implemented in foam-extend, an OpenFOAM fork. The contact lubrication model combines a modified Reynolds equation incorporating a cavitation algorithm, a deterministic contact model and a thermal contact model. The final model can be used to analyse lubricant flow and cavitation, changes of lubricant properties, including changes due to temperature variations and non-Newtonian effects, and asperity contact of rough surfaces. The cumulative validation of the aforementioned models was performed on two ball-on-disc test cases, which use two different types of oil (Turbo T9 and T68 oils). The numerical results were validated against experimental measurements for ball-on-disc tribological experiments found in the literature and available numerical data.