Influence of spin on film thickness in elastohydrodynamic starved point contacts

Abstract The roller-end/flange contact in rolling-element bearings represents a crucial design point. Some of the main aspects defining the contact are its particular kinematics, integrating spinning and the occurrence of starved conditions, due to high curvature radii of the region. In the present study, we present the equations characterizing both spinning and starvation in isothermal EHD contacts lubricated by a Newtonian fluid. After the validation of the model for the case without spin, the analysis focuses, firstly, on characterizing the influence of spinning on the film thickness profile, particularly its global minimum film thickness. Secondly, it aims to evaluate how spinning interacts with starvation in circular contacts, quantifying its effects on the film thickness. Finally, this work provides analytical expressions to predict film thickness in such specific operating conditions.