Transient analysis of isothermal elastohydrodynamic point contacts under complex kinematics of combined rolling, spinning and normal approach

This paper presents a brief review of elastohydrodynamic analysis in commemoration of the immense contributions of Duncan Dowson. This paper also presents an elastohydrodynamic analysis of the elliptical point contact problem under steady state as well as transient conditions. The overall methodology is validated against numerical predictions and experimental observations of acknowledged historical sources. The validated methodology is used to make original contributions in the elastohydrodynamics of elliptical point contact subjected to complex combined contact kinematics, including rolling/sliding, mutual convergence and separation (squeeze film motion) of contacting pairs, when subjected to reciprocating and spinning motions. This combined complex contact kinematics under transient conditions has not hitherto been reported in the literature. This paper shows the critical role of squeeze film motion upon lubricant film thickness. The results also show that the influence of spin motion is only significant at fairly high values of angular velocity and in the absence of a rolling/sliding motion.