When Precise Numerical Predictions Come to the Rescue of Liquid Lubrication

Whereas some bearings designed in the 19^th century are still working properly nowadays, some more recent ones encountered premature failures. Tribological applications, such as journal bearings or rolling element bearings, are ruled by complicated multiphysical phenomena.

An appropriate numerical model is one of the most efficient mean to better understand the physics of these applications. Such a model involves the solving of the Reynolds equation. At high loads, solid deformations may also play a role. The contact would then follow an elasto-hydrodynamic behaviour. Moreover, the lubricant shearing is very likely to generate a significant heat which should be accounted for.

A simple tribological model, the lubricated pad, is presented in this article. Its goal is to address the different challenges that may be involved under different working conditions. A COMSOL application based on the model developed for this tribology case is also developed. It is run with COMSOL Server™.