Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is the regime of fluid film lubrication in which elastic deformation of the surfaces plays a crucial role in maintaining a fluid layer between sliding or rolling surfaces. In applications like roller bearings and gears, the contact pressure is extremely high, causing the lubricant viscosity to increase dramatically and the surfaces to deform elastically. EHL theory, developed rigorously by Dowson and Higginson, predicts the film thickness, pressure distribution, and friction in these heavily loaded contacts.