Numerical analysis of lubricated point contacts using the Finite Area Method

• Published in: International journal of non-linear mechanics Vol. 149; p. 104314
• Main Authors: Balatinec, Luka, Uroić, Tessa, Škurić, Vanja, Jasak, Hrvoje
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2023
• Subjects: Asperity contact; Ball-on-disc; Lubricated contact; OpenFOAM; Reynolds equation; OpenFOAM; Ball-on-disc; Asperity contact; Reynolds equation; Lubricated contact
• ISSN: 0020-7462; 1878-5638
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2022.104314

Validation of a contact model which is sensitive to the elastoplastic deformation of asperities and rheological changes to the lubricant properties is presented. The contact model was derived using a two-dimensional variant of the Finite Volume Method, the Finite Area Method, and was implemented in foam-extend, an OpenFOAM fork. The contact lubrication model combines a modified Reynolds equation incorporating a cavitation algorithm, a deterministic contact model and a thermal contact model. The final model can be used to analyse lubricant flow and cavitation, changes of lubricant properties, including changes due to temperature variations and non-Newtonian effects, and asperity contact of rough surfaces. The cumulative validation of the aforementioned models was performed on two ball-on-disc test cases, which use two different types of oil (Turbo T9 and T68 oils). The numerical results were validated against experimental measurements for ball-on-disc tribological experiments found in the literature and available numerical data. •Development of a lubricated asperity contact model in OpenFOAM using the Finite Area Method.•Contact analysis while sensitive to changes in properties of lubricant and surface roughness.•Simulations of ball-on-disc experiments using different lubricants (Turbo T9 and T68 oils).•Results proved acceptable accuracy can be achieved using the implemented model.