Effect of microstructure and rheology on the grease EHL film thickness at medium speeds

F. Cyriac, P. M. Lugt, R. Bosman, C. J. Padberg, C. H. Venner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In this study the parameters influencing the film thickness of six greases in a rolling elastohydrodynamically lubricated contact under fully flooded conditions are analyzed. The grease film thickness was found to be higher than their corresponding bled oil suggesting the presence of thickener in the contact. The film thickness of the greases were found to be independent of rheological properties characterized by steady and dynamic shear. AFM measurements of the thickener micro-structure showed that the relative increase in the film thickness due to entrainment of the thickener was proportional to the ratio of thickener volume fraction and the size of the thickener. Hence, with the same concentration, smaller thickener particles create thicker films than larger thickener particles. With the limited number of greases that we studied this varied between 1 % and 70%.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSociety of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2016
PublisherSociety of Tribologists and Lubrication engineers (STLE)
Pages221-223
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781510825048
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event71st STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2016 - Las Vegas, United States
Duration: 15 May 201619 May 2016
Conference number: 71

Conference

Conference71st STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2016
Abbreviated titleSTLE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas
Period15/05/1619/05/16

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