TERM PAPER ON ELASTOHYDRODYNAMIC LUBRICATION HIGHLIGHTING THE

THEORY OF SELF ACTING AND PRESSURIZED BEARING INCLUDING REYNOLD’S

EQUATIONS AND SOLUTION

BY

Group 5

COURSE CODE: MEE 344

SUBMITTED TO: Dr. Ajimotokan

Date Of Submission: Tuesday, 25th July 2023

Total Word Count: 2075

 GROUP MEMBERS

S/N Name Matric No. Signature

Group William-Ubong Andy Emmanuel 19/30GD085

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In the field of mechanical engineering, lubrication helps to minimize friction and wear, damp
vibrations and protect against corrosion. Our area of interest for this term paper is
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL).The EHL theory successfully provided an effective
explanation for the thin film separating rolling/sliding non-conformal surfaces as previous studies
could not fully explain lubrication in the effective operation of gears and bearings.

This discovery has proven to be critical to the design and performance of machine elements and
in this paper we will examine its criticality in relation to self-acting and pressurized bearings.
This essay aims to explore:
1. The history behind EHL and its application.
2. The significance of EHL in the design and performance of self-acting and pressurized
bearings used in mechanical systems including Reynold's Equation and Solutions.

Table Of Content
1. Introduction To Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication.
2. Self Acting Bearings
3. Pressurized Bearings
4. Reynold's Equations and Solutions
5. The impact of Reynold's Equations and Solutions on Self-acting and Pressurized
Bearings
6. Comparison Between Self Acting and Pressurized Bearings
7. The Significance of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
8. Conclusion
9. References
 1. Introduction to Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

ElastoHydrodynamic Lubrication (EHL) is the formation of a thin fluid film that separates two
non-conformal surfaces which are under load. The study of situations in which elastic
deformation of the surrounding solids plays a significant role in the hydrodynamic lubrication
process is referred to as EHL.

In most machines, forces can be transmitted from one component to another by means of large
effective bearing areas, but in some cases junctions in the form of line or point contacts are
encountered. The early interest in elastohydrodynamic lubrication arose from a consideration of
the lubrication of these line and point contacts, and although the subject now embraces a wider
field it is instructive to consider the general features of such contacts.

It is also important to note that in a lot of crucial, highly stressed machine parts including gears,
rolling bearings, cams, and followers, elastohydrodynamic lubrication predominates. It also
controls how well many 'soft' bearing systems, such as elastomeric bearings, seals, and
synovial joints, which are extremely deformable, function. The significant advancements in our
understanding of this fascinating sort of fluid film lubrication have shown to be crucial to
machine performance.

The conditions for EHL occur during the rolling motion between the two surfaces which are
usually machine parts. EHL is the hydrodynamic lubrication development that takes into account
the elastic deflection/deformation of the surfaces in contact along with the viscosity variation
with pressure(piezo-viscous effects).

It is however important to note that the elastic deformations are generally larger than the
lubricant film thickness and the lubricant viscosity in the film is significantly larger than the
atmospheric viscosity.

The principle behind EHL lies in the formation of hydrodynamic pressure within the film that
limits direct surface to surface contact thereby reducing friction and wear

EHL plays a vital role in the design and performance of machine parts.

2. Self Acting Bearings

Bearings in general act as a support for the rotor in industrial rotating machinery and transmit
load from the rotating components to the stationary casing.

A self acting bearing however is one in which the pressure within the bearing is generated
internally as a result of the rotation of the shaft creating a load supporting mechanism.

Self Acting Bearings also known as Hydrodynamic or thin film bearings operate via the rotation
of the journal creating a pressure field in the thin fluid film layer that is present and functioning
as a load-supporting mechanism (when the stationary boundary is a cylindrical bushing or
planar member).

Due to the self weight, the shaft and outer sleeve are in touch before the shaft begins to rotate.
The lubricant between the shaft and the sleeve tends to get squeezed as the shaft rotates and
eventually creates a boundary lubrication between the shaft and the sleeve, while there is still
some minimal metal to metal contact.

The fluid lubricant is pumped by the shaft as it rotates quickly. The oil surface near the sleeve
has a surface velocity that is different from that of the lubricant surface close to the shaft. The
lubricant begins to pump as a result. The shaft and sleeve are kept apart by the lubricant that is
pumped into the system. The phrase "Self-Acting/Hydrodynamic Lubrication" and the name
"Hydrodynamic / Self Acting Bearing" refer to this phenomenon in which the lubricant pumps
itself to keep two mating surfaces apart.

The separation of the rotating and stationary surfaces results in very low friction and negligible
wear, giving the hydrodynamic bearing an exceptionally long life—in many cases equivalent to
the life of the machine.

A crucial point to remember when designing hydrodynamic bearings is that they are excellent at
supporting radial loads but incapable of supporting any axial loads. As a result, care must be
given while designing hydrodynamic bearings to accommodate the axial loads produced.

Machines frequently employ this type of bearing, particularly in engines and power plants. They
are heavily used in large turbines, generators, compressors, gearboxes and pumps in the power
generation and oil, gas and chemical processing industries.

3. Pressurized Bearings

On the other hand, pressurized bearings, also known as hydrostatic bearings, depend on
outside sources to produce the required hydrodynamic pressure for efficient lubrication. Pumps
or injectors are frequently used in these bearings to pressurize oil and deliver it to the bearing
clearance area.
An example is an aerostatic bearing that makes use of a pressurized thin film of air for
lubrication. They are used in high speed machines and precision machinery. They are also used
in spacecraft and 3D printers.

A good lubrication may be provided for hydrostatic bearings regardless of speed or geometry
since the separating lubricant film is introduced into a contact by an external pressure. The pad,
which is frequently referred to as the hydrostatic bearing itself, and the hydraulic circle are the
two primary components of hydrostatic bearings. The recess groove in the bearing pad—or
multiple grooves in the case of multi-recess pad types—ensures there is enough room to
remove the bearing load.

Through the inlet hole, the pressured fluid enters the recess (see diagram above). The
pressures produced during the lifting phase must be handled by the hydraulic circuit. The fluid
pressure profile is constant in the recess area and progressively drops to the outside pressure
(often atmospheric pressure) at the outlets.

The lack of contact between the sliding surfaces, which are completely separated by a thick
lubricating film (typically 1-100 m), makes hydrostatic lubrication advantageous. As a result,
there is little to no wear, and depending on the speed, lubricant characteristics, and bearing
geometry, there is typically very little friction. The fluid film produces high stiffness and vibration
damping. Additionally, there is no stick-slip effect when working normally, allowing for extremely
precise motion.

For proper operation, a pressurized fluid (such as oil) feed must be maintained continuously.
Higher energy needs result from this, but so do noticeably higher initial hydraulic system costs.
Hydrostatic bearings are used in a variety of applications, including large-scale turntables,
machining centers, space telescopes, antennas, and small spindles.

4. Reynold's Equations and Solutions

A classical EHL system of equations consists of the system of Reynolds equation, film thickness
and load balance equations:

where h, p, \mu are hydrodynamic film thickness, pressure, viscosity, and U1 and U2 represent
the velocity of the bearing surfaces. Variables ho, hg, he, hm represent the approach, macroscale
geometry, elastic distortion of the surfaces and microscale geometry (surface roughness)
correspondingly. This system of equations can be solved assuming appropriate boundary
conditions to obtain unknown hydrodynamic pressure and film thickness in the contact.
Typically, the parameter ho is unknown (although sometimes it can be specified), therefore the
last integral equation is needed to get the closed system of equations. Fn is the normal load
applied to the contact.

In general, the Reynolds equation has to be solved using numerical methods such as finite
difference, or finite element. Depending on the boundary conditions and the considered
geometry, however, analytical solutions can be obtained under certain assumptions.

5. Reynold's Equations and Solutions in relation to Self-acting and Pressurized Bearings

Certain conditions are taken into account when solving Reynold's Equations for Self-Acting and
Pressurized Bearings

With self-acting bearings, Reynold's equation for self-lubricating conditions is essential. This
equation describes how the geometry and operating conditions influence the development of
hydrodynamic pressure within the bearing clearance region. Solving Reynold's equation
provides valuable insights into optimizing bearing dimensions for maximum load capacity and
minimum friction coefficient.

For pressurized bearings, understanding Reynold's equation under the influence of external
hydrodynamic pressure is essential. This equation determines the general performance
parameters of these bearings by accounting for both internally and externally supplied
pressures. Engineers can manage the load capacity, friction coefficient, and temperature rise of
pressurized bearing systems by adjusting external pressure sources.

6. Comparison Between Self Acting and Pressurized Bearings

The benefits and drawbacks of self-acting and pressurized bearing systems must be taken into
account when contrasting them. Self-acting bearings are simple since they don't need additional
machinery to create pressure. Because there are fewer components needed, they also
frequently have reduced production costs. However, compared to pressurized bearings, they
could have a lower load capacity.

By altering external pressure sources, pressurized bearings, on the other hand, offer more
freedom in controlling lubrication conditions. This makes it possible to carry more weight under
different operating situations. However, because pressurized systems require extra hardware
like pumps or injectors, they are more expensive and sophisticated.

7. The Significance of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

Many different industries use elastohydrodynamic lubrication when friction reduction and
friction-free motion are essential requirements. One such instance is EHL's critical function in
maintaining effective power transmission between moving parts like crankshafts and camshafts
in automotive engines.

Other fields where EHL technology is advantageous include large equipment used in industrial
processes or mining operations with high loads and speeds. EHL concepts are also used in
precise engineering applications for extended component life and improved performance, such
as high-speed machining tools and aerospace components.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the goal of elastohydrodynamic lubrication, a fundamental idea in mechanical

engineering, is to lessen wear and friction between moving parts. Engineers may design
effective bearing systems that can endure heavy loads and fast speeds while delivering
dependable performance by having a solid understanding of the EHL principles. The
comprehensive evaluation of benefits and drawbacks enables the best application in a variety of
sectors, whether using self-acting or pressurized bearings.

Research into EHL will continue to pave the path for more reliable and efficient machine
performance, and contribute to a sustainable future across various fields because it is a critical
field in tribology that addresses the complex interactions between lubricants, surfaces, and fluid
dynamics.

In essence, Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication is undeniably significant in machine design and

has the potential for further innovation in the engineering discipline as a whole

References
1. Paper R1: Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication: An Introduction and a Review of Theoretical
Studies: D. Dowson; Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Conference
Proceedings 180 (2), 7-16, 1965.
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355655066_Duncan_Dowson_and_elastohydr
odynamic_lubrication_at_Leeds_University)

2. Elastohydrodynamic and micro- elastohydrodynamic lubrication: D. Dowson; Wear,

Volume 190, Issue 2, 1995, Pages 125-138, ISSN 0043-1648,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1648(95)06660-8.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0043164895066608)

3. Journal (Radial) Bearings: Michael Forsthoffer; Forsthoffer's Component Condition

Monitoring, 2019

4. Samuel Macharia Karimi, Mark Kimathi, Mathew Ngugi Kinyanjui. Numerical Solution of
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication for Sliding/Rolling Bearing for Non-newtonian Lubricant,
American Journal of Applied Mathematics. Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020 , pp. 257-
264. doi: 10.11648/j.ajam.20200805.13

5. Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication: F. Sadeghi, in Tribology and Dynamics of Engine and

Powertrain, 2010. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9781845693619/tribology-and-
dynamics-of-engine-and-powertrain)

6. Reynolds Equation – An Overview, 2016: Tribonet,

(https://www.tribonet.org/wiki/reynolds-equation/)

7. Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HL): Theory and Definition, 2017; Manoj Rajankunte

Mahadeshwara, (https://www.tribonet.org/wiki/hydrodynamic-lubrication/)

8. Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication (EHL): Theory and Definition; Manoj Rajankunte

Mahadeshwara; 2017, (https://www.tribonet.org/wiki/elastohydrodynamic-lubrication-
ehl/)

9. Hydrostatic Bearings, 2021; M. Michalec, (https://www.tribonet.org/wiki/hydrostatic-

bearings/)
10. Lubricants and Lubrication; Gary L. Doll, in Rolling Bearing Tribology, 2023.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128221419/rolling-bearing-tribology)