A Model for Mixed Lubrication

Abstract
This paper presents a model for mixed lubrication. The surface asperities are represented by short plasto-elastic cylinders with spherical tops. The heights of these cylinders are assumed to have a Gaussian distribution. By combining the solution of the Reynolds equation and the solution from boundary lubrication theory or the microelastohydrodynamic lubrication theory, the load and friction of the lubricated contact can be calculated. Three calculated examples which showed the essential characters and interesting results of mixed lubrication were given. The correlation with others' experimental results was reasonably good.