Abstract

In hydrodynamically lubricated reciprocating contacts, it is well known that the oil film thickness (OFT) is not zero at the reversal points. Calculation of the minimum OFT and the position at which it occurs usually requires a numerical solution of the Reynolds’ equation, including “squeeze” effects. Such a model has been developed, and many simulations have been carried out in which the amplitude, slider width, slider radius of curvature, viscosity, oscillation frequency, and applied load have been varied over a wide range. This data has enabled the derivation of useful approximate equations for both the maximum OFT in the contact and the minimum OFT (and its angular position). Knowledge of these three parameters enables fast, reliable predictions of the OFT variation across the entire reciprocating cycle. These results should be useful to users (and manufacturers) of reciprocating tribology test rigs and to those researchers interested in piston ring lubrication.