Accuracy and Reliability of Computational Modelling of Thermo-Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

Dear Colleagues,

The rising demand for high power density, performance, and energy efficiency in modern electro-mechanical drivetrains often pushes gears, bearings, and cams to their limits in terms of power transfer, load capacity efficiency, durability, and reliability.

Adequate and efficient lubrication of these machine elements under various operating conditions is vital. A fundamental understanding of the physics of thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) in, e.g., bearings and gear contacts operating under stationary as well as transient and off-nominal operating conditions involving dynamic loading, accelerating/decelerating, and even oscillatory motion, is crucial to minimize premature failure and maximize efficiency.

Despite the advances in computational modelling and simulation of TEHL in the past few decades, it is no easy feat to achieve accurate, reliable predictions of thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication—often denoted as quantitative TEHL—relevant to real machine components operating under challenging, off-nominal conditions. Accurate and reliable TEHL modelling and simulation require a proper multiscale description of the complex, coupled multiphysics involved, which is often beyond the capabilities of the classic EHL approach. The final quality, i.e., accuracy and reliability, of predictions for film thickness, stresses, friction, etc., in TEHL depends on four intertwined aspects:

1. The quality and completeness of the conservation laws to describe the (transient) lubricant flow and solid deformation of the solids (incl. surface roughness and heterogeneity), supplemented by proper boundary conditions.
2. The quality and completeness of the thermodynamic conservation laws to describe transient heat transfer within the lubricant and the conjugate heat transfer into the solid phases, supplemented by proper boundary conditions.
3. The quality and completeness of the constitutive models describing the thermal and mechanical material response of the lubricant as well as the solid material to the prevailing conditions of pressures, temperature, etc.
4. The quality of the numerical techniques involving spatio-temporal discretization, algorithms, convergence, etc., for any of the above fields. 

This Special Issue aims to gather the latest research from leading international research groups working in the fields of advanced lubrication modelling, material modelling, and rheology with a focus on the achieved quality in one or more of the categories defined above. All contributions from scientists working on advanced, accurate, and reliable TEHL modelling and simulation are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Dieter Fauconnier
Guest Editor

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