Transient effects of squeeze and starvation in an EHL contact under forced oscillation: On the film-forming capability

Abstract This study provides a new insight on the EHL regime in time-varying conditions. A full-analytical resolution of the Reynolds equation was proposed considering forced oscillations. Confronted to experimental validation, the analytical film thickness equations provide perfect modeling of the film forming mechanisms: squeeze induced by the transient evolution of the film thickness with time, asymmetry and hysteresis in the film distribution resulting from the change in direction and the transport effect. Furthermore, the analytical equations combined with a modulation of the inlet flow give an accurate prediction of the effects induced by the starvation resulting from the change in direction, i.e. as the original outlet zone becomes the next inlet zone.