A numerical study on friction and lubrication behaviour of greased point contacts

This article intends to develop a mixed thermal plasto-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TPEHL) model of greased point contacts considering shear thinning effect. The Stribeck curves of various lubricants obeying the Ostwald rheology model are simulated. It shows that the shapes of grease differ from that of oil and the boundary lubrication stage is expanding with the decrease of rheological index. Finally, the dimensionless formula of central film thickness is modified by taking the roughness and rheological index into consideration, and the quadratic regression formula of the maximum temperature rise on grease film is derived based on the orthogonal simulation results. This study can provide a theoretical reference to evaluate the friction and lubrication performances.