Thermal elastohydrodynamics in isotropic and anisotropic surfaces

This study investigates thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) of non-Gaussian rough surfaces with varying microstructural morphologies. Through flow factors, the influence mechanisms of surface roughness, texture patterns, temperature, and pressure on interfacial lubrication performance are thoroughly analyzed. An innovative density−pressure−temperature equation, simultaneously accounting for pressure and temperature, is proposed. Based on this, a temperature-averaged Reynolds equation is developed, revealing the impact patterns of various factors on lubrication performance for isotropic and anisotropic (transverse/longitudinal textured) non-Gaussian rough surfaces. Results indicate that anisotropic surfaces with transverse textures significantly enhance lubrication state and load-carrying capacity. Effective control of temperature rise, combined with increased asperity mean height, lubricant density, relative velocity, and reduced roughness standard deviation, improves lubrication performance. This work provides critical theoretical support for lubricant design in high-performance mechanical systems, offering significant implications for enhancing lubrication efficiency and reliability under high-load and high-speed conditions.