Abstract:

An extensive set of full elastohydrodynamic lubrication(EHL) simulation is studied based on shear-thinning rheological model. The correction factor formulae to predict EHL film thickness for space liquid lubricants are developed to account for the effect of shear-thinning behavior. The film thickness is obtained with the correction factor formulae and compared to the published experimental measurements with good agreement under a wide range of operating conditions. It proves that the correction formulae can predict EHL film thickness accurately. Multiplied the corresponding Newtonian film thickness by the correction factor, the EHL film thickness can be easily obtained in practical engineering applications.

Key words: space liquid lubricants, shear thinning effect, elastohydrodynamic lubrication film thickness, correction factor formulae